PRT Baghdad
PRT Supports Program aimed at Protecting Iraqi Reporters
January 27, 2009
Baghdad – Even with security improved remarkably Iraqi reporters must still work in an environment loaded with danger and pitfalls that western journalist can only imagine. Journalistic skill and professionalism can be a safeguard but with over 150 media outlets in Iraq, including websites, television channels, and newspapers many reporters have never received formal training or instruction.
The Baghdad Provincial Reconstruction Team (PRT) filled that void when it recently arranged a two-day workshop for local Iraqi journalists on the practical aspects of reporting in Baghdad.
Working in Iraq often includes challenging or dangerous situations and requires skills not necessarily taught in journalism school. Recognizing this need, Mr. Ziad Al-Ajili of the Journalistic Freedoms Observatory (JFO) approached the Baghdad PRT with a proposal to conduct a designed to support “security and legal protection for Iraqi journalists as well as highlight risks that threaten them.”
Ziad al Ajili has been involved with journalism in Iraq since 2001, and established the Journalistic Freedoms Observatory in 2005 after experiencing problems working as a reporter in Kut earlier that year. “Iraq did not have an independent organization for press protection at that time,” Ziyad remembers. That experience highlighted his concerns about the future of journalism in Iraq’s newly liberated society, and led to the formation of the JFO.
The PRT procured a Public Affairs grant that fully covered the expense of the two-day workshop, allowing the JFO to hire distinguished lecturers, including a journalism professor from Baghdad University, a media expert and experienced working reporter, and an attorney specializing in Iraqi media law. The workshop was held last October with over 40 Iraqi journalists participating. Attendees included men and women from a variety of religious and ethnic backgrounds working as reporters for both print and broadcast media outlets,
One of JFO’s primary concerns has been the number of journalists killed or wounded while reporting on combat in Iraq, so the first session of the workshop featured an informative discussion on the physical dangers of reporting in Iraq and the hazards of covering military operations.
The use of protective gear such as the helmet and body armor was demonstrated, and the JFO encouraged reporters to insist that their organizations supply this equipment to their employees working in combat zones. Subsequent lectures on the first day by Dr. Kadhim Al-Muqdadi of the Media College at Baghdad University covered the legal status of reporters under Iraqi law, and how the new constitution affects journalism. He also encouraged reporters to work according to international standards as a good way of keeping out of legal trouble.
On the second day, attorney Salih Al-Ugaili focused on how the government and security forces interpret and enforce the law in practice, giving advice on dealing with the authorities. He also identified the legal consequences for false or inaccurate reporting.
In the afternoon, media expert Dr. Hashim Hassan talked about reporting techniques and ethical standards for both reporters and editors. He concluded the workshop with the importance of maintaining a free and independent press.
Ziad hailed the success of the two-day workshop, but said that much more work needed to be done. “Many of the reporters working in Iraq are not graduates of journalism programs,” he explained. This causes problems with the authorities when they don’t follow standard journalistic practices.” The JFO believes training programs like the one just completed are one way of addressing this problem and working to establish a truly professional Iraqi press.
Working in cooperation with Reporters without Borders and other international organizations, the JFO defends the rights of Iraqi journalists and reports on free speech violations in Iraq. JFO is also helping to modernize journalism in Iraq, coordinating with the Government of Iraq on behalf of journalists, and distributing information that highlights the rights of journalists. Specifically, they have lobbied political leaders to include in their legislation items supporting the press and protecting journalists. JFO has also organized public events rallying support for a free press and printed posters and other materials informing the public about journalists’ rights.