964media outlines commitment to balanced coverage ahead of Kurdistan elections​

ERBIL – 964media has announced its commitment to delivering impartial and in-depth coverage of the upcoming Kurdistan Region parliamentary elections on October 20, emphasizing its dedication to responsible journalism by refusing political advertisements and ensuring balanced reporting for all parties, candidates, and policies.

964media’s mission is to transport readers to Iraq’s unseen places and tell the untold stories of the Iraqi people. While most Iraqi and Kurdish news outlets focus on the ‘big picture,’ we believe this approach often overlooks the nuanced realities where Iraq’s challenges and successes truly unfold: in the margins of society, across the borders dividing regions, between conflicting political parties, and within the walls of individual homes.

Whether it’s giving a platform the villagers of Ghammas in Diwaniyah, who lament the deteriorating state of a crucial bridge connecting them to larger cities and essential services, or covering the plight of Najaf rice farmers grappling with climate-induced hardships and protesting water shortages, 964media reporters are on the ground where other media outlets cannot or will not allocate resources. This presence is vital because to truly grasp the ‘big picture,’ readers must have a view of the many smaller pictures that constitute the whole. From fires at bazaars in Duhok and Erbil to protests against construction projects in Sulaymaniyah, spanning Basra to Bahirka via Baghdad, 964media is on the ground where it matters.

For our English-speaking audience, this focus is particularly crucial. Our English section serves as a bridge, providing context where others offer mere snippets, digging deep into the stories’ backgrounds with expertise and a discerning editorial eye. Our readers, hailing from capitals around the world, have a vested interest in Iraq. They rely on us to keep them informed about Iraq in all its complexity—its politics, its people, and its place on the global stage. By offering thorough analyses and detailed coverage, we ensure our audience is not just aware but engaged and informed about the developments that affect Iraq and, potentially, the world.

Building on our mission to provide comprehensive and nuanced coverage, 964media has outlined its strategy for the upcoming Kurdistan Region parliamentary elections scheduled for October 20. As the region prepares for this pivotal event, it’s essential for our audience to understand our approach to election coverage, which is as detailed and committed as our everyday reporting.

Our strategy is shaped by a commitment to impartiality and integrity. During the election campaign, 964media will continue to maintain equidistance from all parties and factions. We are dedicated to providing balanced coverage without disseminating any news that could incite violence, distort facts, or lead to unjust conflict. Recognizing the elections as a cornerstone of democracy, special attention will be given to aspects like public participation, voting methods, locating polling stations, and monitoring the electoral process.

To safeguard our impartiality, 964media will not accept or publish any election campaign advertisements from parties, factions, or candidates. Our news team and correspondents are instructed to exercise heightened vigilance in sharing news and information. Should an error occur, we will promptly acknowledge this by issuing prominent corrects across all platforms, continuing our practice of transparent and responsible journalism.

This decision stems from our core principles established since 964media’s inception over a year ago. We introduced a fresh perspective to Kurdish and Iraqi media, emphasizing respect for our audience and the importance of reporting on daily life alongside political developments. We’ve consistently aimed to share knowledge responsibly while avoiding content that distorts truth or incites violence and conflict.

Our approach is familiar to our audience. Opting out of selling lucrative political ad slots may hit our bottom line, but we stand by our principles. In today’s media and political climate in Kurdistan, a responsible stance is crucial for a media organization committed to serving the public.