A major broadcasting company in the Kurdistan Region has halted several Iraq pan-Arab news channels. The decision followed concerns over coverage of events in northeast Syria.
Mix Media, which operates across the Kurdistan Region, suspended Al Arabiya, Al Hadath, and Al Jazeera. The company serves hundreds of thousands of subscribers. The move came amid heightened tensions linked to Rojava.
On Tuesday, Mix Media technical manager Omed Mohammed explained the decision. He said the company enforces strict content standards. Therefore, channels must align with local culture and regional interests. Otherwise, they face removal.
Moreover, Mohammed said the company applies filters to all broadcasts. He added that Mix Media reviews content regularly. According to him, international precedents support such measures. He cited bans imposed on foreign channels in other regions.
Additionally, Mohammed said Mix Media monitored the suspended channels closely. He claimed their coverage spread misinformation. He also said their reporting conflicted with Kurdish interests.
Meanwhile, Mix Media released a public statement. The company said it holds a moral responsibility toward subscribers. It added that violations of content standards lead to suspension.
Mix Media currently serves between 250,000 and 300,000 users. The company broadcasts throughout the Kurdistan Region. So far, Mohammed said subscribers have not filed complaints.
At the same time, he confirmed no timeline for restoring service. He said the company will continue monitoring coverage. Until then, the suspension remains in place.
These developments occur amid escalating conflict in Syria. Since mid-January, Syrian forces advanced into former SDF-held areas. These areas include Aleppo, Raqqa, Deir ez-Zor, and parts of Hasaka.
Furthermore, the fighting triggered mass displacement. Kurdish communities worldwide organized protests and aid drives. In the Kurdistan Region, large demonstrations took place.
Despite a fragile ceasefire, violence continued. The truce aimed to enable detainee transfers to Iraq.
Earlier Tuesday, humanitarian aid convoys departed for Rojava. Organizers sent 80 trucks carrying essential supplies. Additional deliveries are expected soon.