Afshin Ismaeli
The role of the media in developing democracy in Kurdistan;
a study of Rudaw journalists’ perspectives, notions, and attitudes
MA in Journalism Studies
The University of Oslo, Department of Media and Communication
May 2015
Abstract:
This thesis examines the professional notion and attitudes of journalists in Kurdistan region, highlighting improvements in media performances in addition to indicating to the role of journalists in developing democracies and specific conflicts of journalists with societal norms, political and economic interests. Iraqi Kurdistan is an example of democratic transition in the middle of conflict hot zone. The study is based on qualitative interviews with journalists and managers of the Rudaw media network.
The thesis argues that Rudaw journalists seem more than the other media are able to challenge the dominant norms and standards and did make contributions to the advancement of democracy in Kurdistan. Journalistic professionalism is used by Rudaw journalists to show their autonomy and objectivity, and their will to empower public participation by enabling more dialogue among groups, and Rudaw voices the concerns of civil society. The research displayed the existence of political, economic and cultural factors, as well as to an extent religious, journalists’ attitudes and organizational structure that together create a difficult setting for Rudaw journalists. These factors have influenced the professional standards of journalism in Kurdistan and further the efforts of journalists in developing democracy in Iraqi Kurdistan.
Findings from this study reveal that Rudaw does have a role to play in developing democracy and human rights. This role is important because it gives the media responsibility of serving the interests of the citizens and being the mediators of the democratic process.
This MA dissertation available on CHMK Website Studies Page via below link:
