Alhurra-Iraq Celebrates 10 Years
Alhurra-Iraq TV marked its 10th anniversary on Sunday, April 27th. The local channel provides accurate and objective news about Iraq, the Middle East and the world to its Iraqi audience. According to international surveys, Alhurra-Iraq has a weekly reach of 5.3 million.
Alhurra-Iraq covers local events throughout the country with timely, relevant and thorough coverage of current affairs thereby capturing the pulse of the people. Nearly 40 percent of the Alhurra-Iraq programming schedule is Iraq-specific, including almost all of prime time—which is anchored by a daily hour-long Iraq-centric newscast Iraq Today. In addition to news and talk shows, Alhurra-Iraq produces Iraq-specific programs that feature the best of Iraqi culture, society, history, youth, sports news and economics. These are programs hosted by Iraqi journalists that understand the hopes and hardships experienced daily by their audience.
Alhurra-Iraq focuses on topics that directly impact the Iraqi community, such as where things stand for Iraqi women after 10 years; how political donations will influence the upcoming election; Iraqi social security law; and reporting from the Anbar province during a time when very little objective media is available. These types of topics and content have become cornerstones of the channel.
“Alhurra-Iraq is a local, indigenous TV channel and the 24/7 programming resonates with viewers by fulfilling a void in their media landscape. We are incredibly proud of the great work this dedicated team of journalists have accomplished over the past 10 years,” stated MBN President Brian Conniff. MBN manages and oversees Alhurra-Iraq.
Representatives from across Iraq’s political spectrum reach out to congratulate Alhurra-Iraq on its 10th anniversary. The Iraqi Minister of Justice Haider al Sa’adi remarked, “Alhurra-Iraq is a symbol for ethical journalism with balanced, professional, accurate and reliable coverage.” Other political offices that sent their congratulations include the Prime Minister’s office, the House Speaker’s office, the journalist’s syndicate, the Sadr Movement Political Council office, Baghdad Governor’s office, the Ministries of Health and Labor, the General Secretary of the Iraq Coalition Block and the National Coalition Block offices.
Alhurra-Iraq is operated by the non-profit corporation “The Middle East Broadcasting Networks, Inc.” (MBN). MBN is financed by the U.S. Government through a grant from the Broadcasting Board of Governors (BBG), an independent federal agency. The BBG serves oversight and as a firewall to protect the professional independence and integrity of the broadcasters.