THE POST-HUSSEIN MEDIA ENVIRONMENT IN IRAQ
By Kathleen Ridolfo
Overview
The downfall of the Saddam Hussein regime this year ushered in a new period of free media in Iraq. The media in Iraq under Saddam Hussein was completely controlled by the state. The general population was widely banned from access to international media, including the Internet and satellite television. Save broadcasts from international radio broadcasts such as RFE/RL's Radio Free Iraq, and poor-quality transmissions coming from a few underground opposition broadcasters, Iraqis had few other options for news, other than state-run radio, television, and newspapers.
On 24 March, four days after U.S. and coalition forces launched Operation Iraqi Freedom, the United States initiated a campaign to end the regime's state-run media system. Official Iraqi Television Channels 1 and 2 were wiped off the air. Likewise, Iraq Satellite Television was knocked off the air by mid-April. That pro-regime channel broadcast to the wider Arab world, and had been for foreign consumption only.
According to U.S. government estimates, in 1998 there were 19 AM stations in Iraq (of which, five were inactive), 51 FM stations, and four shortwave stations when Hussein was in power. However, it is important to note that many Iraqi stations operated only intermittently or had ceased broadcasting altogether after the 1991 Gulf War. In mid-October 2002, there were reports of Iraqi plans to maintain state-radio broadcasts in the event of war by using mobile transmitters. In fact, Iraq Radio did function throughout Operation Iraqi Freedom, but according to reports from inside Iraq, its signal was weak and sporadic.
Prior to the downfall of the Hussein regime, there were five major Arabic-language dailies in Iraq and nine major weeklies, all of which operated under state control and several of which were run directly by Uday Hussein, who was killed in a gun battle with U.S. troops in July. Economic sanctions on Iraq resulted in newsprint shortages, leading to print-run limitations since 1993. Hussein's regime maintained a total monopoly on printing facilities and the press-distribution mechanism in Iraq.
Iraqi newspapers continued to publish during Operation Iraqi Freedom and Iraq Satellite Television regularly reported on news and opinion pieces appearing in Iraqi dailies throughout the conflict.
Internet access in Iraq, which was only launched in 1997, was severely restricted by the Hussein regime. In 2001, the U.S. government estimated that there were just 12,500 Internet users in Iraq, which has a population of more than 24 million.
Private Internet access in Iraq was forbidden under the Hussein regime, and modems were banned. At the onset of Operation Iraqi Freedom, there were an estimated 50-70 Internet centers in Iraq, located in places such as luxury hotels, universities, state ministries, and research and industrial facilities.
The media in Iraq has flourished since the overthrow of the Hussein regime. Over 100 newspapers are currently publishing in Iraq, representing a wide spectrum of political and religious viewpoints. The Iraqi Media Network (IMN) was established by the Coalition Provisional Authority in Iraq (CPA) to replace the defunct Iraqi Information Ministry, which oversaw the media in Iraq under Hussein. The network includes a television station, two radio stations, and a newspaper. Meanwhile, "The Washington Post" reported on 16 October that the U.S. Army is now soliciting bids on behalf of the CPA for a private contractor to expand the Iraqi Media Network into a "world-class" media organization to be called the Al-Iraqiyah Network. The network would broadcast over two land-based channels, one of which would be an all-news channel, and two radio stations, one all news. The news channels would also be available via satellite. Independent radio and television stations have also been established.
Moreover, satellite purchases have proliferated, despite the prohibitive cost to the average Iraqi. The Internet is also widely available throughout the country.
While regulations are reportedly in place for media licensing, international media has reported that many Iraqis complain that they are not aware of the process of obtaining licenses under the CPA, and some have set up shop without licenses.
Newspapers
As noted above, more than 100 newspapers are now publishing in Iraq since the downfall of the Hussein regime. The newspapers represent various political and religious viewpoints, with nearly every political party publishing its own paper. There are also newspapers dedicated solely to economic, and social and cultural issues. Around half of the newspapers in Iraq claim to be dailies, but in reality, many only publish once or twice a week, which is probably a consequence of production and distribution costs. There are also a large number of weeklies, as well as monthly magazines. A number of former opposition newspapers that were previously banned by the Hussein regime are in wide circulation, as are Kurdish papers previously only published in northern Iraq. There are a few English-language newspapers in circulation, and it is reported that some regional and international newspapers are available in the cities, but demand for those newspapers varies, particularly for the regional press. Some imported papers, like the London-based "Al-Hayat," are expensive in comparison to Iraqi newspapers. In addition, a couple of Iraqi Arabic newspapers reportedly have English-language inserts at least once a week.
The CPA has encouraged Iraqis to pursue free press in Iraq, but has also cautioned the media to follow CPA orders regarding the conduct of the media in Iraq. CPA Order Number 14, issued on 10 June (http://www.cpa-iraq.org), lists strict rules prohibiting the media from: incitement to violence and civil disorder, either against Iraqis, or against coalition forces; expressing support for the banned Ba'ath Party; and support for "alterations to Iraq's borders by violent means." Media organizations determined to be in violation of the order are subject to closure, possible imprisonment of relevant persons involved in the violation, and a fine of up to $1,000.
The CPA moved to enforce the order in early June, closing down a radio station, newspaper, and television channel. Other newspapers were put on warning, and appear to have quickly moved to change their style and content. More recently, the Arab satellite channel, Al-Arabiyah, was banned by the Iraqi Governing Council from broadcasting from Iraq, on grounds that the news channel was inciting Iraqis to violence (see this issue).
The content of Iraqi newspapers varies greatly. Some newspapers established outside Iraq, such as London-based "Al-Zaman" are known for their high standards and credibility. A few of the newly established newspapers offer quality reporting, but many others exhibit a lack of training as far as style and content. Other newspapers offer inaccurate reporting at best, and downright sensationalism at worst. A few Western-based media organizations began to institute training programs based on Western standards for Iraqi journalists, but such programs have been subject to postponement or cancellation due to the security environment in Iraq.
Newspaper circulation varies widely in Iraq, with some dailies claiming to produce 30,000 to 50,000 copies a day. Smaller weeklies produce between 3,000 and 6,000 copies per week. Iraqi newspapers cost between 250 and 1,000 Iraqi dinars ($.25 and $1).
Radio
There are currently 17 FM radio stations and more than 55 AM/MW stations operating in Iraq. The stations broadcast mainly in Arabic. Kurdish and Assyrian broadcasts are also available. Syrian, Kuwaiti, Qatari, Omani, and United Arab Emirates stations can also be picked up, in addition to foreign broadcasts in English, French, and Russian. Indigenous Iraqi radio stations reflect newspapers, representing various political and religious trends in their content. Others claim to be "independent" broadcast stations. Most broadcast to a limited area, with poor reception. International broadcasting includes RFE/RL's Radio Free Iraq, the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC), Radio Monte Carlo, Radio France International, Radio Sawa, and the Iraqi Media Network station.
In addition, there are a number of stations broadcasting in Persian (approximately three FM stations and 15 AM stations), from Iran. Iranian state-run radio also broadcasts in Arabic to Iraq through at least six separate stations. Iran reportedly also funds a number of Iraqi radio stations, such as the one operated by the Iraqi political group, The Supreme Council for the Islamic Revolution in Iraq (SCIRI), which was based in Iran for 23 years before the downfall of the Hussein regime. Libya and Israel also broadcast to Iraq via shortwave.
A recent report published by the BBC World Service Trust on broadcast media in Iraq since the fall of the Hussein regime noted that Iraqis throughout the country had high broadcast-engineering skills, evidenced by the number of makeshift independent radio (and television) stations set up in post offices and relay stations owned by the former regime. Many Iraqis have indeed established local broadcast stations using meager equipment that once belonged to the former regime or equipment borrowed from individual private citizens. However, as the BBC report noted, radio and television production and editorial skills remain poor in Iraq. The CPA has provided some technical and financial assistance to radio stations, reportedly in exchange for those stations' transmission of public-service announcements.
On 13 October, the CPA announced that it would begin accepting applications for broadcast licenses at a cost of $500 per new license, with a $100 renewal fee. Potential applicants must meet CPA-established requirements regarding good character, financial disclosures, and content. Initial broadcasting licenses will be granted for six months.
Television
The Iraqi Media Network (IMN) has been broadcasting in Iraq since late May/early June and dominates domestic television there. The television channel broadcasts a variety of programming -- from soap operas to sports -- with two 30-minute news broadcasts daily. The IMN is reportedly capable of reaching two-thirds of Iraqi homes. A number of Kurdish local television stations are operated by Kurdish political parties in the north, and small upstart local channels are beginning to operate in other areas of the country, namely in Al-Najaf, Kut, and Karbala. Iranian domestic channels can also be received in some areas, and Iran is reportedly backing a SCIRI television station that broadcasts from Tehran. Iran also broadcasts into Iraq via satellite. All of the Iranian channels offer programs in Arabic, and many of those programs specifically target an Iraqi audience. The BBC reported in early October that a group of Iraqi businessmen and media personalities have established the Iraqi Broadcasting Corporation (IBC) with an initial investment of $10 million. The IBC will reportedly produce television and radio broadcasts.
Moreover, the BBC reported that the U.S. would reestablish Iraqi Satellite TV in the coming weeks following the delivery of some $80 million in equipment to Iraq. Meanwhile, the U.S. Broadcasting Board of Governors (BBG) is set to launch its regional Middle East Television Network in December. With $30 million in funding, the satellite network hopes to compete with Arab satellite channels Al-Jazeera and Al-Arabiyah.
There has been a boom in satellite dishes in Iraq since the overthrow of the Hussein regime. Dishes cost between $150 and $250. The Paris-based media watchdog Reporters Without Borders contends that Iraqis trust Arab satellite channels for news more than their own press, or coalition broadcasts. Two Kurdish satellite channels are also operating from Iraqi Kurdistan. As with Kurdish domestic television, the two major Kurdish political parties, the Kurdistan Democratic Party and the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan, operate those channels.
Internet
No less than 20 Internet cafes are operating in the Iraqi capital, serviced by Internet service providers (ISPs) based in northern Iraq. Cybercafes have also opened in northern and southern cities, some with the help of coalition forces. An hour online reportedly costs around $2, too expensive for most Iraqis. Nonetheless, international media reports that the cafes are popular with Iraqis anxious for unimpeded access to global information sources. The BBC reported in August that the former Iraqi state ISP, Uruklink, which operated under the Hussein regime, restarted service in July. Coalition forces disabled Uruklink at the start of Operation Iraqi Freedom. In addition, it appears that high-speed broadband delivered via satellite will soon be available inside the country courtesy of GloCall, a France Telecom Mobile Satellite Communications company. Local Iraqi websites remain scant, but a number of Iraqi newspapers can be accessed online. In addition, the CPA's website offers official announcements, speeches, press-conference transcripts, and public notices in both English and Arabic. The website, however, appears incomplete, with links to Iraqi ministries offering little or no information. The website has fluctuated as far as content since it first came online in early summer, sometimes offering daily updates, and at other times not updating for days at a time.
Conclusion
The possibility for a free and independent media in Iraq is strong, but more attention needs to be given to training programs that focus on Western media standards. The U.S.-led administration in Iraq is aware of this challenge and has undertaken a number of training programs for journalists. More programs are in the works, and a number of international nongovernmental organizations have initiated media-training programs as well.
Iraq remains vulnerable to subversive outside media elements, particularly Iran, which substantially increased its radio and television broadcasts into Iraq following the collapse of the Hussein regime, despite U.S. warnings that it not interfere in the country. Moreover, the anti-U.S. stance of Arab satellite channels Al-Jazeera and Al-Arabiyah seek to discredit the coalition in Iraq and possibly destabilize the political environment there.
It is likely that the number of newspapers and radio channels currently operating inside Iraq will be reduced after some time, once consumers have quenched their thirst for information and begin to choose reliable news sources for their information needs. The media will also likely be affected by financial constraints, unless many media outlets can secure sustainable funding.
