As the world celebrates the start of a new year, people in parts of the globe continue to die in wars and other violence. A media organization has to live with -- and report on -- both these joys and tragedies.
At Rudaw, as we celebrate with the fortunate and share their stories with readers, we do not forget the unfortunate. We believe that the best way to serve them is to remember them, seek them out, and tell their stories to a global audience.
It was with this goal of sharing the good and the bad with our audience that Rudaw began as a weekly newspaper in Erbil in 2008. As readers snapped up printed copies of the newspaper at kiosks every Monday, Rudaw online began publishing up-to-the-minute news and feature articles in both the Sorani and Kurmanji dialects. Before long, Rudaw was the widest-read newspaper in the Kurdistan Region. Diaspora Kurds could pick up the Kurmanji print at newsstands in major European cities.
Rudaw English has been one of the main pillars of the network from the outset, and is proud to say that it has proved to be a reliable source of news and information about the Kurdistan Region in particular and Kurdish affairs in general.
In 2012, work began in earnest on building a television channel that would revolutionize media in Kurdistan with round-the-clock coverage of Kurdish and world affairs. In May 2013, Rudaw TV launched its first programs in full HD. Ever since, it has become a household name in all four parts of Kurdistan and for Kurds as far away as Australia, Sweden and Canada.
Rudaw has built a loyal global audience and endeavors to deliver the best quality product. We strictly abide by the standards of international journalism. Professionalism and impartiality are the bedrock of our work, each day, every day.
As Rudaw steps into 2014, it looks forward to launching a 24-hour music radio and offering more live TV programs. Our high-flying plans include an Inflight Magazine for Zagros Air, where passengers will also enjoy our news programs above the clouds.
We thank all members of our staff, freelance reporters and independent contributors in Kurdistan and all parts of the world and wish everyone a Happy New Year.
