Television in Iraq: channels, programs, and viewing habits

Television in Iraq remains one of the most influential daily media sources, balancing fast-moving news coverage with family entertainment and cultural programming. Viewers often follow political talk shows, evening dramas, football matches, and religious broadcasts depending on the season and the city. Iraqi broadcasters serve audiences with different languages and identities, so schedules can shift between Arabic-language news, Kurdish programming, and community-focused shows. For many people, the easiest way to keep up with the same familiar presenters and serials while traveling is to watch online through official platforms or authorized distributors, which has also made TV online a practical alternative to satellite reception.

Major Iraqi TV channels and what they are known for

Among widely recognized public broadcasters, Al Iraqiya is the flagship state channel, offering national news bulletins, government announcements, cultural segments, and coverage of public events. The network also includes Al Iraqiya News, which focuses more tightly on rolling updates, interviews, and political analysis. In Kurdish regions, Kurdistan TV is a long-standing name with a mix of news, music, entertainment, and community programs. For viewers who prefer continuous updates and studio debates, channels such as Al Sharqiya and Dijlah TV are known for talk formats, investigative reporting, and social issues, while Alsumaria TV is associated with a broad grid that can range from news to lifestyle and locally produced series. Many of these broadcasters provide live streaming on their websites or apps, which helps audiences follow breaking stories without relying on a single reception method.

Popular program types: news, drama, sport, and religion

News and current affairs occupy prime time across much of Iraqi broadcasting, with studio panels and call-in formats that reflect the country’s lively public debate. Drama is another pillar: Ramadan seasons often bring high demand for serials, comedies, and socially themed storylines that are discussed the next day at work and at home. Sport, especially football, drives large audiences when local leagues and regional tournaments are on, and many viewers look for television live coverage to avoid missing key moments. Religious programming also plays an important role, including Qur’an recitations, lectures, and coverage of major commemorations, presented in a tone that can vary by channel and target audience.

How people watch today: satellite, mobile apps, and online viewing

Access patterns in Iraq are mixed: satellite remains common, but mobile viewing has grown quickly thanks to improved connectivity and the popularity of short clips shared from longer broadcasts. Official apps and licensed services make it easier to watch television online in a stable, higher-quality feed, especially for viewers outside the country who want familiar news anchors and local cultural content. When major events occur—elections, security developments, or decisive matches—audiences often switch between channels and keep a second screen open for live updates, using TV online streams to compare perspectives. As a result, the modern Iraqi television landscape is defined not only by the variety of channels such as Al Iraqiya, Alsumaria TV, Al Sharqiya, Dijlah TV, and Kurdistan TV, but also by the flexible ways people now watch online and follow live streaming throughout the day.