People vary in their use of media, including traditional or electronic. What are the communication means you prefer; mobile phone, iPad, laptop, or other, and why?. I prefer the electronic. At these times, I prefer the electronic media. I prefer the electronic, like the mobile. Electronic is better, like the mobile. Electronic media, because its faster in terms of use and in terms of access to information. Everything is within reach by the mobile, we can get any information, we can get to newspapers, television and radio. They all have sites on the Internet. The electronic media overshadowed the traditional The mobile, because it is easy to hold and to access any information I need. I prefer the traditional media, starting with the TV, then the radio and lastly the newspapers. I prefer the traditional because it has more credibility. Even though some channels promote rumors and disinformation, I generally prefer the traditional. The traditional is considered a reliable source and when it passes information, it is sourced by an institution or a person, who is held responsible for the information. Interview with Dr. Abd Al Amir Faisal, Electronic Media, Baghdad University Iraq, like other countries in the world, is up to date with technological developments. It has the infrastructure, which helps the citizens to use it easily. The small electronic devices have encouraged this trend. In addition, the increase in mobile usage among people in the age range of 10-40 years or even up to 50 years, enabled them to consume the electronic media. Today, 80% of the Iraqis use electronic media due to the availability of internet and the required devices, which made internet the favorite media source. The difficulties facing the traditional Iraqi media, have contributes to this trend, including the decline in newspapers due to lack of funding. In some newspapers the number of pages have shrank. The highest number of print for any Iraqi paper is 7000 copy only and this number is only relevant for the prominent papers. The number of copies for smaller papers is between 1000 to 3000 copies, daily. The total number of Iraqi newspapers copies, don’t reach more than 100.000. 100,000 (5) 100,000* 5 = 500,000 30,000,000 If you multiply 100.000 by 5, which is the highest rate according to International institutions, equals 500.000, this is half million copy. How will half million copy make an impact among 30 Million people. Therefore, the alternative to this media is the electronic media, and that is why electronic media occupies the first place, followed by the TV satellite channels, then the newspapers and the Radios. Since I was young, I like journalism, and I wished to work for a media institution as I thought that the national issues, needs to reach the media. Journalism and media is a hobby, those who look to make money, do not enter this domain. When I was a child, I used to sit in front of the mirror as if I was a TV host. My father, was a prominent media and academic figure Dr. Muzaffar Mandoub, may he rest in peace. When my brother thought I was crazy, my father smiled and said I was not a crazy and I would be one day a journalist. I had the desire to work in the media, so I can be a TV host. I started at Al Iraqiya as a news editor and received a lot of support from the director of the channel, Abd Eljabbar Alshabout. I wanted to work in the media even before I entered the journalism school, and then I did my internship at “Al Rashid” TV channel. Many ask us how they can be journalists. You need three keys to become a journalist: the talent, the academic education, and to love your profession and work hard to express the concerns of your society. The journalist is the mirror of the society. Journalism can be the profession of troubles, but the fatigue disappears as soon as you manage to convey your message to others. Interview with Muayad Al Lami The Iraqi Journalists Syndicate is responsible for all Iraqi journalists working in media institutions, including TV channels, radio stations, press agencies, newspapers as well as periodicals. The reality on the ground requires a body that protects these journalists and provides them with training workshops. The syndicate are for professional journalist and not for amateurs. In order to join the syndicate, one should be working for an accredited media institution. The journalist will also be subject to a test. Also freelance journalists can join the syndicate but they have to go through the editorial and practical tests. A member can be a Photographer, reporter, editor, editorial secretary, chief editor or anyone who works in the media. The syndicate’s role is not limited to Iraq. It is currently heading the Federation of Arab Journalists, which includes 21 Arab countries. It is a member of the International Federation of Journalists, its main office is located in Brussels and it includes about one million members from 140 countries. The Syndicate is influential and considered the fourth estate. Its power is equivalent to the power of the judicial, legislative and executive authorities. Iraq has the highest number of martyrs in the world. It might have more victims than the victims of World War II and the Vietnam War. It has also a high number of journalist-martyrs. Since 2003, over 420 journalists were killed by militants, terrorists attacks or US forces. |