Foreign Intelligence: Iraqi TV reflects sectarian strife

Most channels linked to partisan power blocs

By Bryan Pearson (Variety, 2007-09-21)

BAGHDAD -- With more than 30 satellite and terrestrial channels operating in Iraq, a far cry from the two that existed under Saddam Hussein's rigid rule, the television industry should by now be celebrating its new-found freedom.

Instead, it has turned inward, becoming a mish-mash of sectarianized channels linked directly or loosely with partisan power blocs and reflecting the country's highly fractured political reality.

While nine or 10 core satellite channels and as many regional stations have survived the turmoil of the past four years, others have started up or closed down at irregular intervals mainly for commercial reasons.

An unfortunate few have been shut down by the Shiite-led government of Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki.

Tellingly, the two most-watched channels, as rated by research group Ipsos-Stat, have been booted out of the country -- Saudi newscaster Al-Arabiya for a while, and Dubai-based Al-Sharqiya permanently.

Both offended Maliki's government. Al-Arabiya was accused of attempting to stoke sectarian tensions in the country with its gory coverage of the ongoing Iraqi carnage -- charges channel execs denied -- while Al-Sharqiya served up political parody bound to offend.

The end for the channel came after one Al-Sharqiya presenter appeared on air shortly after the execution of Saddam Hussein wearing black as a sign of mourning.

The shutting of its offices in Baghdad had little effect, however, and despite what many perceive as a pro-Sunni bias it remains highly popular in Iraq with its mix of skeins and satirical laffers that poke fun at life in the troubled country.

But while Al-Sharqiya is at least discreet about the line it toes, other channels are more blatant about their political proclivities.

The rest of the story: Variety