Number: RS21681
Title: Rebuilding the Iraqi Media: Issues for Congress
Authors: Jeremy M. Sharp, Foreign Affairs, Defense, and Trade Division 
Abstract: With the end of Saddam Husseins rule, Iraqs media environment is no longer tightly restricted, and Iraqis now have access to a number of media sources. For U.S. policymakers, this free flow of information poses a challenge; how can the United States encourage a democratic Iraqi media while limiting anti-coalition messages? Another challenge is measuring the effectiveness of U.S.-sponsored broadcasting in Iraq in promoting U.S. policy objectives, including the development of an independent Iraqi media. In March 2003, the U.S. Defense Department launched the Iraq Media Network (IMN). The FY2004 Iraq Supplemental Appropriations Act (P.L. 108-106) set aside $100 million for IMN and $40 million for the Middle East Television Network (METN), another U.S.-sponsored Arabic network scheduled for launch in January 2004. This report discusses possible congressional options concerning the rebuilding of Iraqs media.
Pages: 6
Date: Updated December 3, 2003