United States Agency for Global Media

Springfield, VA — Radio Sawa launched Morning Papers on its Iraq stream to millions of listeners across the country. The 90-minute magazine program, which originally aired on Radio Free Iraq (RFI), focuses on the political, social or cultural issues impacting Iraqis. Morning Papers airs Sunday-Thursday from 9:00 to 10:30 a.m. (Baghdad time).

Each episode highlights two main topics and gathers a variety of perspectives including the From The Streets segment that includes interviews with Iraqis from across the country, reaction from Radio Sawa’s Facebook page and recorded soundbites from callers. The program tackles topics such as Iraqi youth leaving the country; journalists who risk their lives to cover stories from the front lines; the recent flooding in Iraq, is it a blessing or a curse; and new projects to increase the amount of parking in Baghdad. The program will also feature Iraqi weather and sports; as well as incorporating Radio Sawa’s news updates throughout the 90 minutes.

“We are excited to have Radio Free Iraq’s signature program on Radio Sawa’s Iraq stream. The addition of Morning Papers to the line-up strengthens Radio Sawa’s commitment to accurate and objective news and information, while complimenting Radio Sawa’s format,” stated Brian Conniff, President of the Middle East Broadcasting Networks, Inc. (MBN). MBN manages and oversees Radio Sawa. “We have talented Radio Sawa team, including former RFI journalists, that produce this enriching program.”

According to the Gallup Organization, Radio Sawa broadcasts to more than 2.5 million Iraqi listeners each week. The radio network has FM transmitters throughout Iraq, including transmitters in Baghdad, Mosul, Ramadi, Amara, Basra, Irbil, Shomali, Kirkuk, Najaf, Samawah, Sulimaniyah and Tikrit. The radio network can be heard on www.RadioSawa.com.

MBN is financed through a grant from the Broadcasting Board of Governors (BBG), an independent federal agency funded by the U.S. Congress.  The BBG oversees MBN and acts as a firewall to protect the professional independence and integrity of the broadcasters.