Breaking out of years of isolation. Photo:WFP/David Gross.

While the 7 March elections in Iraq were hailed as an important step towards democracy, they also brought several independent media outlets to their knees 

In the run-up to the general elections in Iraq on 7 March, the government ran national electoral advertising campaigns for different candidates in state media. For state media already on the government's payroll, this was a profitable business. But for some of the few independent media working in Iraq, the election was a death blow.

Biased advertising markets kills off independent media

Highly dependent on incomes from a biased advertising market to fund general production costs and with a small or non-existent share in the national advertising campaigns, several independent media have been forced to close.

- It may be that Iraqi media are free to write what they want, but the government has a major financial say in which media survive, says Osama Al Habahbeh, responsible for International Media Support’s (IMS) work with local media in Iraq.

He describes the fate of one newspaper that may be forced to close in the first quarter of 2010.

- The newspaper Almanara Daily went from being a daily to a weekly paper newspaper last month as a result of financial difficulties due to the lack of advertisement revenue. According to Chief Editor Mouwafak Al Rubaii, this is the price independent and critical newspapers are forced to pay in Iraq.

Demand is ten times the circulation

IMS estimates that the demand for newspapers is probably ten times the circulation, especially during election times. In the lead-up to the elections, sales have newspapers sales have increased because Iraqis have sought to familiarise themselves with the different electoral candidates. The role of independent newspapers is essential in an election process, but despite this they have to fight for economic survival and risk the dangers of newspaper distribution across the country on foot.

IMS support as network of 12 media in Iraq consisting of mainly newspapers and one news agency from various segments of Iraqi society including Shiite, Sunni, Arabs and Kurds. The media have committed to working together despite political, ideological and religions differences towards a common goal of establishing joint printing facilities, distribution network and new business concepts.

IMS Iraq media programme

IMS’ programme for media in Iraq was established in 2005. The second phase of the programme begins this week with financial support from Danida. In the coming year, the aim is to establish a joint advertising network which run joint advertising activities and distribute revenue. IMS will also provide support independent media in managing websites and strengthen editorial management through in-house courses.

To speak to Osama Al Habahbeh or for further information please contact Lotte Dahlmann, mobile: (+45) 2554-3541 or email ld[snabela]i-m-s.dk.