Television

Al Mirbad is southern Iraq’s newest broadcaster, launched in summer 2005 with a young team of hard-working programme makers and journalists. In an Iraqi media environment of growing pluralism, Al Mirbad has carved out its own identity as an independent, non-partisan broadcaster concentrating on locally-made programmes for southern Iraq.

The first audience research survey carried out for Al Mirbad in January 2006 showed that, just seven months after going on air, Radio Al Mirbad has the highest awareness (47%) and reach (37%) of any local or regional radio station in southern Iraq. It was also the second most spontaneously-mentioned station of all radio that can be heard in its coverage area (40%). 

A quarter of all respondents said they have watched Al Mirbad Television since it launched six months ago. This is the highest reach of any TV station broadcast from southern Iraq and an encouraging result, given its limited transmission schedule.  35% of those surveyed said they were aware of Al Mirbad television.

Al Mirbad’s coverage area has a population of around 4 million in Basra, Amara and Nasiriya (exact figures are hard to find). Al Mirbad Television is also available on satellite in Iraq and the rest of the Middle East.

Al Mirbad runs an integrated television and radio operation from its studios in Basra. The station has 150 locally-recruited staff, of which nearly 100 front-line production, operational and senior personnel have been through professional training. Al Mirbad is managed by a dynamic young team with ability and integrity leading the station forward.

Al Mirbad’s programme output is founded on the core principles of editorial independence, trustworthy journalism, and local programming of relevance and appeal to the south. Programme output is currently ten hours a day on radio and six hours a day on television, and this is planned to grow in the coming year. Al Mirbad’s television and radio broadcasts are now embedded into the society of southern Iraq. There is a proven demand for its services, strong local management, and a complete broadcast and transmission infrastructure.

Al Mirbad’s objectives going forward are:

o        To continue to be one of southern Iraq’s leading broadcasters in terms of audience reach

o        To contribute to the development of free expression and an informed citizenship in southern Iraq

o        To invigorate the market economy of Southern Iraq through opening its radio and television programmes for local spot advertisements, programme sponsorship and advertorials at affordable rates

Al Mirbad Radio and Television has drawn huge strength and inspiration from the support of its audience whose numbers continue to grow everyday. The voices of the south are heard in every programme and the television cameras constantly reveal aspects of everyday life and heritage never seen before.