Support for Independent Media in Iraq (SIMI)

Program Overview

Download SIMI Information Sheet

Download Media Sustainability Index (MSI): Iraq

Media Sustainability Index (MSI) Middle East and North Africa (MENA)

US Department of State Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor

The SIMI project supports Iraqi media outlets, journalists, media managers, and free-press advocates in their efforts to build a sustainable and professional media system as they struggle against the hardships of operating in Iraq. The project is supported by a grant from the US Department of State Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor.

KEY ISSUES AND OBJECTIVES

Support the development of democratic media laws that protect the rights of journalists and media outlets.
Provide professional training and development opportunities to media professionals.
Support media businesses seeking to improve their management skills and financial sustainability.
Strengthen local associations and NGOs supporting journalists and advocating for media rights.

PROJECT ACTIVITIES

IREX’s work includes providing grants, training, and consulting to achieve the following goals:

Develop Democratic Media Laws
IREX supports local efforts to improve existing media laws and develop new legal frameworks that protect the rights of journalists and media outlets to replace existing laws from the Hussein era.
Promote Media Excellence and Professionalism
IREX offers Iraqi journalists and media outlets professional development and training opportunities to help them provide balanced, fact-based coverage of key issues facing Iraqi society.
Support Media as a Commercial Enterprise
IREX offers business management and grants support to promising media outlets so that Iraqi media can achieve the financial independence needed to support their editorial policies.
Strengthen Media Associations and NGOs
IREX supports local organizations that promote professionalism of the Iraqi media sector and advocate for media rights.

IREX Media Work in Iraq

IREX has worked in Iraq since 2005. As the implementer of the media component of the USAID-funded Iraq Civil Society and Media Support Program, IREX supported the launch of the country’s first commercially-based independent news agency, NINA; supported balanced, engaging programming on the constitutional referendum and elections; and provided training and consulting on business management and journalism. IREX Europe, with the support of UNESCO, implemented the Media Sustainability Index for Iraq and supported radio rebroadcasting of elections programming produced by Al-Iraqiya television.