Yemen: Media in turmoil

In light of the recent instability and the unpredictability of the situation in Yemen, International Media Support (IMS) carried out a mission to the country in December 2011. The aim of the mission was to assess the overall situation of Yemeni media and their needs and challenges in the period ahead. This report presents the findings of the IMS media assessment mission to Yemen.

The members of the mission were charged with the following tasks:

  • Assess the general political situation as well as the conditions for media to operate and inform the population;
  • Consult with Yemeni and international media representatives and part- ners; Assess the potential for media reform work;
  • Gather information in preparation of possible meeting of stakeholders;
  • Assess the possibility for support in the run-up to elections scheduled for February 2012, including monitoring and coverage training.
  • Assess IMS’ Yemen programme with a view to adjusting it in line with political developments and needs in the sector, as well as possible efforts by international partners;

The mission was conducted from 3-7 December 2011 by Michael Irving Jensen, Head of the IMS Department for Middle East and North Africa, Andreas Sugar, IMS Yemen Programme Manager, and Jason Lambert, Commercial Director of Brand X. The mission members engaged with a wide range of media representatives and international media support partners in the country’s capital Sana’a in the north and Aden in the south in the course of the mission.