ERBIL, Kurdistan Region - Officials, journalists, media figures, and public personalities in the Kurdistan Region and Iraq on Friday congratulated Rudaw Media Network on its 13th anniversary, praising its role as a leading media institution in the region and beyond.
Head of the Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP) politburo’s executive committee, Fazel Mirani, congratulated Rudaw on the occasion, saying, “For 13 years, the Rudaw satellite channel has emerged as a new and highly successful experience in Kurdistan's media,” adding that “the channel managed to transcend the local sphere, introducing itself to global media as the first international Kurdish channel.”
“I offer my warmest congratulations to the channel's general manager and all its employees in Kurdistan and across the globe,” he continued. “Following an unrivaled and successful experience in which Rudaw gained the trust of its viewers, the glory and pride belong to the channel and its employees for winning several prestigious international awards.”
Friday marks the 13th anniversary of Rudaw Media Network, which was launched on May 29, 2013. Since then, it has established itself as a major Kurdish media institution and a widely used source of news for regional and international audiences. The network produces content in Sorani and Kurmanji Kurdish, as well as English, Arabic, and Turkish.
Khabat newspaper chief editor Salam Abdullah also congratulated Rudaw’s Chief Executive Officer Ako Mohammed and staff, saying, “We wish it success as it has rightfully and proudly secured its place among global channels.”
Iraqi government spokesperson Sabah al-Numan said, “We emphasize the importance of the national and responsible role of the media in enhancing awareness, consolidating the values of coexistence and community peace, and conveying the truth with professionalism and objectivity, in a way that contributes to supporting stability and serving the Iraqi people across all its components.”
The head of the Kirkuk branch of the Iraqi Journalists Syndicate Marwan al-Ani said, "On behalf of the journalistic family in Kirkuk, we are pleased to congratulate the channel's management, staff, and its team working in Kirkuk on the occasion of the 13th anniversary of its launch."
He added that Rudaw represents an extension of the development, expansion, and advancement of journalism in Iraq.
Kirkuk Governor Mohammed Samaan Agha also sent his congratulations, saying, “We affirm our message and steadfast position in supporting journalists and media professionals," in a congratulatory message.
Iraqi National Security Advisor Qasim al-Araji said, “We extend our highest congratulations and appreciation, valuing its solid professional role and outstanding contributions to establishing responsible media and conveying events with high professionalism and objectivity.”
He added, “Throughout its media journey, Rudaw has managed to consolidate its position as a leading media institution through its commitment to professional standards and the provision of balanced media content that keeps pace with various issues and developments at the local and international levels.”
“As we highly value this distinguished professional journey, we wish Rudaw continued success and progress, and further brilliance in performing its media and national mission,” he added.
Iraq’s Supreme Judicial Council, the country’s highest administrative authority for the ordinary judiciary, also congratulated Rudaw in a statement, saying that “Rudaw has succeeded in becoming a brilliant media window and a distinguished international identity, through which it has covered events with full professionalism and credibility.”
“We wish continued success and further progress for this institution in delivering its media message,” the Azm Alliance, led by Muthanna al-Samarrai, said in a statement praising Rudaw’s efforts. The alliance expressed hope for the network’s continued advancement “in the service of media work and the consolidation of the principles of professionalism and impartiality in its operations.”
Iraqi Interior Ministry spokesperson Miqdad Miri also congratulated Rudaw, saying it has “become an important and trusted source for reporting events and facts with full objectivity and accuracy.”
“Your commitment to professional standards, your embrace of national responsibility, and your delivery of comprehensive and live coverage have made your institution an exemplary model in contemporary journalism,” he added.
Tahsin al-Khafaji, media director at Iraq’s defense ministry, wished Rudaw “continued success and progress in its media mission, and the continuation of its role in conveying the truth and advancing professional media work.”
Ahead of the anniversary, Rudaw on Monday unveiled a redesigned and technologically upgraded website at an event attended by foreign diplomats and officials, who praised the digital development and reaffirmed reliance on the network as a credible regional news source.
The updated platform includes an interactive geographic news map, integrated low-data video reels, and a high-speed system providing live stock and sports updates on the homepage. The upgrades are part of a broader effort to integrate artificial intelligence and digital innovation to improve accessibility and user experience.
The network’s digital coverage of the latest war in the Middle East surpassed 3.72 billion views across social media platforms within the first four weeks, setting a regional benchmark by early April.
While headquartered in Erbil, Rudaw’s reach has expanded beyond the Kurdistan Region, with significant viewership coming from non-followers and algorithm-driven traffic across major platforms.
Updated at 10:25 pm.