ORHA Fact Sheet - Ministry of Information

ORHA Fact Sheet Office of Reconstruction and Humanitarian Assistance Thuraya Phone: 88-216-7744-1080 Email: orhapic@yahoo.com Ministry of Information Fact Sheet May 19, 2003 Overall Information There will be no ministry formed any time in the foreseeable future. Due to the wartime reputation of the past ministry, a network was formed from professional journalists that will carry the information to the public in the same manner as broadcasting stations in the U.S. There is nothing but optimism holding this office together on a sturdy foundation of energy. The news is piling up and the staff is eager to get it out. There is one major problem for the television station and that is finding experienced editors. Once editors are trained, the station should be self-supporting. The radio station is running smoothly and the newspaper is on the street. The only problem currently plaguing the TV station is electricity. Power constraints force the news crews to shut down by a certain time which limits their capabilities. Once full power is restored to Baghdad, the station should be able to run 24 hours a day. Facts on the Information Ministry -This ministry is now referred to as Iraqi Media Network . -The local Baghdad station airs news for two hours every night with a repeat broadcast following immediately. -There are 30 members of the network which include experienced reporters, cameramen and engineers. -The first newspaper, Al Sabah, made it to the street on 17 May and was sold out by noon the same day. Currently 50,000 copies are distributed in Iraq and the distribution base will grow soon. The paper is published every Tuesday and Saturday. -The radio stations may fluctuate due to the discovery of stronger signals in other areas that can cover more acreage. Past ministry employees returned seven transmitters that will close multiple gaps in coverage, allowing more Iraqi citizens to receive radio broadcasts. -The Media Network will make use of four types of signals for getting information out; radio towers, microwave, satellite and terrestrial to ensure that no Iraqi citizen will be left out of the information loop. Power limitations give the Network a strict timetable for broadcasting. -The Network refuses to take power from Baghdad’s municipal power grid, so it will work with the time table until full power is restored to the city. -The network’s motto is "Building a Free Press for a Free People."