A network of 50 major television stations around the globe have condemned measures taken by the Iraqi government’s Media and Communications Commission against Rudaw TV and its staff in recent days.
The network of known as ENEX with its 50 commercial broadcaster of which Rudaw is a member, say in a public letter “We would ask that this order, to close Rudaw, is withdrawn and that all threats to the activities of Rudaw journalists be lifted.”
Appreciating the work of Rudaw and its crews on the frontlines to gather accurate news and information for a world audience, Adrian Wells, managing director of the network says in his letter: “ENEX supports the free flow of media between its members and the principals of fair reporting and the ability of journalists to operate safely and without fear or threat.”
“We stand by our media partner and deplore any attempt to close its transmission, operations or ability to carry out its functions to report on events in Iraq or elsewhere.” Wells said.
ENEX explains how “During the recent military action against IS forces in Iraq, ENEX and its members, relied heavily on material filmed by Rudaw camera crews and reporters.”
“Rudaw media teams have covered extensively and very professionally the advance of Iraqi Army units to retake ground from IS. Rudaw teams were always at the front line in covering Iraqi efforts to re-take Mosul and other key cities,” Wells says. “One of Rudaw’s most high-profile presenters, Shifa Gardi, was killed in a roadside bomb blast while covering clashes between Iraqi Army forces and IS during the Mosul battle.”
ENEX’s own Executive Committee, is made up of such channels as CBS (USA), Sky (UK), RTL (Germany), SIC (Portugal), VTM (Belgium), TV4 (Sweden), TVN (Poland), NTV (Russia), Caracol (Columbia), M6 (France) supports Enex’s own Executive Team in this appeal.
Last updated at 7:56 p.m.
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