Here is a humanized and expanded summary of the project proposal, framed within a professional context.
In an era where the digital landscape serves as both a bridge and a barrier to truth, the integrity of information in Syria has become a matter of critical importance. DW Akademie, in collaboration with their partners at Fatabyyano, is launching a vital initiative titled “Fill the Space: Ensuring information supply and media trust for stabilisation in Syria.” Funded by the European Union, this project is designed to act as a shield for the Syrian media ecosystem. We are officially opening a call for proposals to partner with an expert organization or research team capable of providing sustained, high-level monitoring to track how disinformation and hate speech are weaponized against Syrian journalists, independent media outlets, and dedicated fact-checkers who work tirelessly to keep the public informed.
The primary mission of this partnership is to shine a light on the sophisticated campaigns that threaten journalistic independence. While the scope of this project is broad, we are placing a particular emphasis on how these harmful narratives are crafted to target and manipulate younger Syrian audiences, specifically those aged 18 to 45. This demographic represents the future of the nation’s socio-political discourse, and they are currently the most vulnerable to coordinated efforts designed to foster cynicism, divide communities, and undermine trust in independent reporting. By identifying the specific mechanisms used to lead this demographic astray, we hope to build a more resilient and media-literate society.
The selected partner will not merely be collecting data; they will be tasked with mapping the complex ecosystem of disinformation across the region. The initial phase of this collaboration requires the creation of a comprehensive baseline analysis. This isn’t just about crunching numbers; it requires a deep dive into the primary actors, the digital platforms they exploit, and the specific narratives they propagate. We need a team that can blend quantitative data with qualitative insights, providing a contextual backdrop that explains not just what is being said, but why these trends are emerging and how they are evolving over time. This baseline will serve as the compass for our future interventions.
As the project progresses, the provider will transition into an ongoing monitoring cycle that demands both agility and analytical rigor. We require three distinct periodic monitoring reports, delivered in both English and Arabic. These reports are designed with a two-fold purpose: they will contain a sensitive, non-public section shared exclusively with our core partners for strategic decision-making, alongside a summarized, anonymized public component. This public report is intended to educate the wider community, serving as a beacon of transparency that highlights the challenges faced by the media sector while guiding public discourse toward a more fact-based reality.
Beyond formal reporting, we are looking for a partner who understands the urgency of newsroom dynamics. The project requires the production of short, actionable briefings tailored for newsrooms and civil society organizations. These are intended to be “on the ground” resources—concise insights that allow journalists and advocates to quickly identify, understand, and mitigate incoming threats to their reputation and safety. By bridging the gap between raw data analysis and practical application, the selected partner will play an essential role in keeping the Syrian information space open and safe for those working on the frontlines of truth.
The deadline for submitting your comprehensive proposal is Monday, August 17, 2026. All submissions should be directed to [email protected]. We are looking for visionary teams who recognize that the fight against disinformation is not just a technical challenge, but a fundamental pillar of democratic stabilization and human rights. If your organization possesses the expertise to analyze these digital threats and the passion to help restore faith in the power of verified information, we encourage you to apply. Together, we can fill the space with the credibility and clarity that the Syrian people deserve.