CHMK, SULAIMANI: The Kurdish Media Watchdog Organization (CHMK.ORG) successfully convened the first CHMK National Forum on Media Reform in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq. Sponsored by the Kirkuk Media Agency, the event took place on Saturday, July 10, 2021, at Dawa Hall, gathering a distinguished assembly of government officials, party representatives, academics, and veteran journalists.
Opening Ceremony and Strategic Vision
The conference commenced at 10:00 AM with opening remarks from:
Dr. Haval Abubakr, Governor of Sulaimani
Shwan Dawoodi, Supervisor of Kirkuk Media Agency
Dr. Shwan Adam Aivas, General Coordinator of the CHMK National Forum
The speakers collectively emphasized the urgency of media reform, advocating for a multi-stage activation of professional standards to safeguard the region’s journalistic integrity.
Panel Discussions: A Multidimensional Approach
The conference featured four specialized panels, hosting 14 experts to address the structural and ethical challenges facing Kurdish media.
1. Political Perspectives: Centralization vs. Decentralization
Chaired by key media leaders, this session explored reform through the lens of political institutions.
Stran Abdullah (PUK Press Office), Mohammed Ahmed (Komal Media Network), Aso Hamid (KIU Media), and Dilêr Abdulkhaliq (Gorran Movement) discussed how party-affiliated media can transition toward professional reform.
2. Legal Frameworks and Professional Ethics
This panel focused on the intersection of law and social responsibility.
Prof. Mohammad Mahvi addressed linguistic and cultural integrity.
Prof. Samaan Fawzi discussed legal regulation vs. systemic disruption.
Prof. Zhia Abbas highlighted ethical reporting on sensitive social issues, such as suicide and gender-based violence.
Dr. Sadiq Hamaghreb analyzed reform within digital news and social networks.
3. Academic Integration and Media Education
Focusing on the role of higher education, panelists discussed the pedagogical shift required for modern journalism.
Prof. Ibrahim Saeed, Dr. Hataw Hamasaleh, Prof. Araz Ramazan, and Prof. Ahmad Omarbali evaluated the media working environment, the representation of women in media, and the necessity of research-driven reform in universities.
4. Censorship and the Working Environment
The final session examined the balance between freedom and oversight.
Tariq Jawhar Sarmami (Kurdistan Parliament Advisor) outlined the legislative role in media reform.
Karwan Anwar (Kurdistan Union of Journalists) discussed the Union’s efforts in fostering a conducive environment for professional growth.
Closing and Future Mandate
The conference concluded at 5:30 PM following an interactive Q&A session and the reading of a draft communique of recommendations.
Dr. Shwan Adam Aivas, the forum organizer, stated that this initiative is a cornerstone of CHMK’s long-term strategy. The goal remains to empower “media gatekeepers,” enhance the quality of media messaging, and ensure legal and professional rigor across print, broadcast, and digital platforms.
Kurdish Media Watchdog (CHMK.ORG) founded in 2017 in Sulaimani, which is an independent, non-profit NGO. It is dedicated to monitoring professional violations and protecting the rights of the Kurdish public against unprofessional media practices through rigorous evaluation, research, and advocacy.
Photography: Aram Hama Ali and Venus Tofiq
