Halabja – July 15, 2026
More than 30 representatives from local media outlets, journalists, civil society organizations, academia, and government institutions gathered in Halabja on July 15 to discuss the key challenges facing local journalism and explore ways to strengthen the province’s media sector.
The roundtable was organized by Metro Center with the support of CFI and hosted by Radio Dangi Nwe as part of a field mission that also included coordination meetings with local partners in Sulaymaniyah and Halabja.
During the visit, project partners reviewed the remaining activities under the current operational plan, discussed preparations for an upcoming media roundtable in Erbil, and finalized plans for a journalism capacity-building workshop.
Meetings were also held with the management of Radio Dangi Nwe to review the final reports of the Qarib project and discuss the station’s future development plans. The station is preparing to expand its digital media presence by launching a new series of podcasts using equipment recently provided through CFI support, while also strengthening its editorial team with new creative and multimedia professionals.
Discussions throughout the roundtable focused on several key issues affecting local journalism. Participants highlighted unequal access to public information, noting that independent media outlets often face difficulties obtaining official statements and news updates compared to media organizations affiliated with political parties.
Attendees also emphasized the financial challenges confronting independent media and pointed to the limited attention given to remote provinces such as Halabja, where international funding, training opportunities, and media support programs remain significantly lower than in larger cities.
Press freedom concerns were another major topic of discussion. Journalists stressed the need for more effective and independent mechanisms to document and address violations against media professionals, arguing that many incidents remain unreported due to the lack of trusted reporting channels.
The roundtable concluded with a strong call for additional journalism training programs and capacity-building initiatives to be delivered directly in Halabja, enabling local journalists to enhance their professional skills and contribute to a stronger and more independent media landscape.