The Continuing Education Unit at the College of Mass Communication, University of Baghdad, held a training course titled “News Coverage of Political Disputes over Government Formation in Iraqi Online Media and Their Impact on Public Trust in the Political Process.” The course was delivered by Assistant Professor Dr Noah Izz Al-Din from the Department of Digital Journalism, with the participation of a number of students and media professionals.
Dr Izz Al-Din classified Iraqi news websites into three main categories. The first includes websites affiliated with traditional media outlets, such as satellite television channels, newspapers and radio stations, although they generally operate with a degree of administrative and financial independence. The second consists of websites established exclusively for the internet, with no links to previously established media institutions. These outlets typically have newsrooms, editors and correspondents and have become widespread in Iraq, partly due to relatively simple licensing procedures and the availability of website development services provided by specialised companies. The third category comprises websites funded or supported by government and non-government entities, universities, companies, political parties and public figures, with coverage focusing largely on the activities of their supporting organisations alongside general news.
Dr Izz Al-Din noted that one of the main challenges facing Iraqi news websites is their continued reliance on traditional editorial practices that fail to make full use of the interactive features of the digital environment. He also pointed to the limited use of advanced tools in content production, linking this to editorial policies and the level of professional skills among some media workers.
He explained that freedom of expression, particularly on national issues related to the political process and government formation, is an important factor influencing public trust in media content. He called for a renewed approach to digital media and efforts to develop news websites by attracting a new generation of media professionals with advanced technical skills, while providing responsible professional space for reporting and analysis. Such an approach, he said, would strengthen audience engagement and encourage users to read and follow news stories.
The course is part of the Continuing Education Unit’s programme to develop the skills of media professionals and students in digital journalism and keep pace with the rapid changes taking place in the modern news environment.
