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Iraq's media landscape underwent dramatic transformation following 2003 US invasion, shifting from total Saddam Hussein state control to fragmented ecosystem of hundreds of outlets. State-run Iraqi Media Network operates Al-Iraqiya television and radio with $75 million budget and 3,500+ employees as primary public broadcaster. Majority of outlets privately owned and heavily influenced by political parties and sectarian groups rather than operating as independent entities. Key private channels include Al-Sharqiya, Al-Sumaria, Al-Baghdadia while sectarian divisions reflected in ownership: Shia outlets Al-Forat and Al-Ahd, Sunni channels Dijlah and Al-Fallujah, Kurdish networks including Zagros TV. Internet penetration reached 81.7% (38 million users) by early 2025 with social media at 73.8% (34.3 million users) dominated by Facebook, Instagram, TikTok.
Communications and Media Commission established through Coalition Provisional Authority Order 65 (2004) serves as primary regulatory body responsible for licensing, spectrum allocation, content oversight. CMC mandate includes encouraging media freedom and professional standards yet increasingly restrictive after falling under Iran-backed militia groups and Coordination Framework politicians control. 2023 controversial draft regulation on digital content drew condemnation from 12 international human rights organizations for exceeding constitutional authority threatening press freedom. CMC used powers to ban terms from coverage, suspend channels, impose fines on outlets for objectionable content. Post-2003 period enabled hundreds of outlets emergence replacing centralized state monopoly with competitive albeit politically fragmented media landscape.
Media heavily influenced by political sectarian affiliations with outlets aligned to major parties. Editorial independence compromised by financial dependencies on political patrons and threat environment. Infrastructure limitations persist with fixed broadband penetration minimal at 0.1% while mobile connectivity drives digital transformation with 46 million cellular connections from three operators Zain, Asiacell, Korek providing near-universal coverage. 2025 RSF World Press Freedom Index ranks Iraq 155th of 180 countries indicating "very serious" journalism situation driven by political repression, partisan control, economic dependency, journalist threats.
Internet penetration reached 81.7% (38 million users) by early 2025 from 44.3% in 2019 representing rapid adoption. Social media usage reached 34.3 million (73.8% population) March 2025 from 31.95 million previous year. YouTube maintained strongest video presence with 22.3 million users (47.9% population, 58.7% internet users) with 44.4% female, 55.6% male composition. Facebook reached 52.9% internet user base January 2025 with 27.5% female, 72.5% male users. TikTok experienced most dramatic growth adding 2.35 million users reflecting shift toward short-form video. September 2025 platform share: Facebook 40.4%, Pinterest 38.92%, YouTube 12.81%, Instagram 5.59%, Twitter 1.13%, Reddit 1.03%. Mobile-first internet access reflects infrastructure limitations with smartphones primary screen for news, entertainment, social interaction.
Al-Sharqiya recognized as most popular private satellite channel for impartial news, current affairs coverage, political satire despite controversy. Public trust generally low with widespread skepticism about media independence. Many Iraqis turn to social media for news but platforms vulnerable to disinformation and lack editorial oversight further undermining information confidence. News remains most consumed genre driven by ongoing political security developments with entertainment drama series reality shows popular on television. Sports particularly football soccer attracts significant younger demographic audiences.
Internet users grew 791,000 between January 2024 and January 2025 (2.1% increase) with 8.51 million (18.3% population) remaining offline beginning 2025. YouTube dominated video with 22.3 million users (58.7% internet base) with balanced gender 44.4% female, 55.6% male. Facebook reached 52.9% internet base with notable male skew 72.5% versus 27.5% female. TikTok surge reflected shift toward short-form video preference over YouTube longer formats. X had modest 2.65 million users (5.7% population, 7.0% internet base). Platform share September 2025 showed Facebook 40.4% dominance, Pinterest 38.92%, YouTube 12.81%, Instagram 5.59%, Twitter 1.13%, Reddit 1.03%.
Most Iraqis access internet via mobile with smartphones primary screen for news, entertainment, social interaction reflecting infrastructure limitations. Mobile-first consumption driven by fixed broadband minimal penetration 0.1% while 46 million cellular connections from three national operators provide near-universal coverage. Online platforms increasingly used for news, entertainment, social interaction mix reflecting shift toward digital consumption. News consumption heightened during political crises or security developments indicating strong current affairs engagement despite low media trust levels.
Media outlets aligned to political and sectarian groups rather than operating independently creating partisan content landscapes. Public trust generally low reflecting challenging press freedom environment with RSF ranking Iraq 155th of 180. Lack of independent financially viable media eroded trust with many Iraqis seeking alternative social media sources. Social platforms vulnerable to disinformation lacking editorial oversight further undermining information confidence. Entertainment dramas, reality shows popular on television while sports particularly football attracts significant younger demographics. News consumption spikes during major political events and security crises.
Journalists face significant threats with ongoing repression, partisan control, economic pressures limiting independent reporting. Media fragmentation reflects post-2003 transformation from state monopoly to competitive yet politically divided landscape. Regulatory actions including 2023 digital content draft criticized by international human rights organizations threatened press freedom. CMC authority to ban terms, suspend channels, impose fines exercised selectively affecting outlet independence. Media contribution to sectarian divisions noted with outlets often amplifying communal grievances.
| Demographic Category | Media Consumption Preferences | Influence on Trust Levels |
|---|---|---|
| Age | Youth favor social media, short-form video TikTok; older rely on traditional TV/radio. Mobile-first consumption predominates. | Younger audiences skeptical of partisan traditional media, seek social platforms; older demographics maintain TV loyalty despite trust concerns. |
| Sectarian Affiliation | Consumption aligned to politically affiliated outlets: Shia viewers watch Al-Forat/Al-Ahd; Sunni watch Dijlah; Kurds watch Zagros. | Partisan outlets reinforce sectarian identities; cross-sectarian media consumption low. Trust in outlets aligned to own community highest. |
| Urban vs. Rural | Urban: digital-first, multi-platform engagement; rural: traditional TV/radio, limited broadband access. | Urban populations access diverse sources reducing single outlet dependence; rural limited to available state and partisan outlets. |
| Internet Access | 81.7% internet penetration with 46 million mobile connections (near-universal). Mobile-only dominant; fixed broadband minimal 0.1%. | Mobile access enables social media news seeking; lack of independent viable media erodes trust; disinformation vulnerable platforms concerning. |
Public trust in Iraqi media generally low reflecting challenging press freedom environment. RSF 2025 ranking Iraq 155th of 180 countries indicates "very serious" journalism situation. Majority outlets aligned to political or religious groups undermining journalistic independence and fostering public skepticism. Lack of financially viable independent media eroded confidence in information sources. Many Iraqis turn to social media seeking news but platforms vulnerable to disinformation and lack editorial oversight further undermining trust.
Media outlets contribute to sectarian divisions with Shia, Sunni, Kurdish networks serving respective communities. Cross-sectarian consumption low reflecting polarized consumption patterns. Journalists face significant threats with ongoing repression, detention, harassment limiting critical reporting. Political and militia group control of media outlets compromises editorial independence with financial dependencies on political patrons. CMC regulatory actions used selectively affecting outlet operations and journalist freedom.
News remains most consumed genre driven by ongoing political and security developments despite trust concerns. Entertainment including drama series and reality shows popular especially on television. Sports particularly football soccer attracts significant younger audiences. Online platforms increasingly used for news, entertainment mix reflecting shift toward digital consumption particularly among youth. Short-form video preference growing with TikTok surge indicating content format preference evolution.
Mobile-first consumption dominates with smartphones primary screen reflecting infrastructure constraints. Younger demographics lead adoption of social media platforms for news discovery and entertainment. Traditional TV and radio maintain reach though declining among youth. Advertising increasingly targets digital platforms with social media market dominance. Despite media trust deficit, Iraqis remain engaged with current affairs consuming news during political crises and security events.
