Volume 20 , Issue 3 , September 2019 , Pages 29-54
1 بەشی تەکنیکی میدیا ، کۆلێژی تەکنیکی کارگێری، زانکۆی پۆلیتەکنیکی سلێمانى
The history of journalism in iraq dates back to the end of the Ottman empires rule.It has progressed
in a number of stages. Each stage has its own characteristics and played a specific function that was
reflective of the political system of the period.
This present study examines the beginning of the journalism in iraqe and show that it coincides
with the creation of Iraq as a monarchy. At the time state,private and partisan newspapers were
published. Journalism thrived in the period compared to the preceding period . After the revolution
of 1958, in which the monaachical system was overthrown and a republic was declared ,the press
became the language of the revolution. Its function was to raise awareness in matters related to the
revolution.it terms of ownership, journalism in Iraq was owned by the state and only government
newspapers were in circulation.In this stage, the press was used for propaganda purposes and the
spread of the ideology of the regime.
In the aftermath of the toppling of Saddam Hussen and the baath Regime in 2003 , journalism
grew and ownership was diversified and state , private and partisan publication with various
sectarian,nationalistic, personal, and collective orientations began publication. The freedom of press
grew and the press could influence public opinion. That said, the press had a negative side because it
became a part of the ongoing conflict and the political arena in Iraq.Its role was neagative in that it
partly caused the spread of sectarian violence from the political elite to the public.
Concerning Kurdish journalism,its beginning and growth, within the history of journalism in
Iraq,this study shows that Kurdish journalism began under British rule of Iraq. Journalism thrived
during the monarchy rule with the publication of state. Private and independent newspapers, and they
played a significant role in enhancing freedom of press and raising the awareness of the public .
Kurdish journalism also experienced a revival during the monarchy rule. However , after the
revolution of 1958, it lost ground in terms of freedom,quality and quantity as journalism had in the
rest of Iraq.By early 1960s the state of Iraq began to ban Kurdish newspapers from publication.