The Continuing Education Unit at the College of Mass Communication, University of Baghdad, organized a training course titled “News Coverage on Websites of Debates Surrounding the Formation of the Iraqi Government and Its Relationship to Public Trust in the Political Process.” The course was presented by Assistant Professor Dr. Noah Izz Al-Din, a faculty member in the Department of Digital Journalism, with the participation of a number of students and those interested in media affairs.
The lecturer classified Iraqi news websites into three main categories. The first consists of websites that serve as extensions of traditional media outlets, such as satellite channels, newspapers, and radio stations, although they generally operate with a relative degree of administrative and financial independence. The second category comprises websites established in the online environment without links to previously existing media organizations. These sites have newsrooms, editors, and correspondents and have become widespread in Iraq due to relatively easy licensing procedures and the availability of website development services provided by specialized companies. The third category includes websites funded or supported by government or nongovernmental entities, universities, companies, political parties, or public figures. Their coverage focuses largely on the activities of their supporting entities alongside general news.
Dr. Izz Al-Din noted that the main challenges facing Iraqi news websites include the continued reliance on traditional editorial practices that do not fully utilize the interactive features of the digital environment, as well as limited use of advanced tools in content production. He attributed these challenges in part to editorial policies and the level of professional skills among some media workers.
He explained that freedom of expression, particularly in national issues related to the political process and government formation, is an influential factor in public trust in media content. He called for a renewed understanding of digital media and for advancing news websites by attracting a new generation of media professionals with advanced technical skills and providing a responsible professional space for discussion and analysis. Such efforts, he noted, can enhance audience engagement and encourage users to read and follow news stories.
The course is part of the Continuing Education Unit’s program to develop the capabilities of professionals and students in digital media and keep pace with rapid developments in the journalism profession.
