KIRKUK, Iraq (Army News Service, July 13, 2004) – After years of being smothered by media restrictions by Saddam Hussein's regime, Iraqi people are now being exposed to a variety of internal and external information sources.

An unbiased source of information comes from the U.S. funded-Iraqi Media Network, or IMN, which replaced the old Iraqi media network with a modern media organization for the Iraqi people.

In Kirkuk, IMN established a television station that passes along local and national news and entertainment. Kirkuk TV, as it’s known, recently debuted a live talk show program, “Political Conversation,” that allows Iraqis to discuss issues with local Iraqi and Coalition leaders via the telephone.

Initiated by the Information Operations cell of the 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 25th Infantry Division (Light), the talk show provides leaders opportunities to eliminate rumors and limit confusion citizens may have in the Kirkuk area.

It is also a way for leaders, especially on the Iraqi side, to earn the confidence of the local Iraqi populace.

There were two primary reasons for starting the show, according to Maj. Bill Southard, chief of the Information Operations cell.

"One part was to legitimize the Iraqi government and the other was to provide information to the Iraqi people," he said.

Because of Saddam's extensive use of false information, Iraqi people are still hesitant to believe anything from the Iraqi media. This was Southard's main reason to create a talk show that would be aired live.

"I wanted this [live] talk show so Iraqi people could see their leadership, ask them questions and make their own educated decisions on what's going on in their future," Southard said.

The recent Transfer of Sovereignty was the primary topic of discussion for the first two episodes of Political Conversation.

Kirkuk Coalition Provincial Authority coordinator Paul Harvey and Kirkuk Governor Abdul Rahman Mustafa were the guests for the inaugural show on June 25. Most of the questions they answered pertained to the June 28 Transition of Sovereignty.

On the second show July 1, Lt. Col. Eric Schacht, 2nd BCT executive officer, and Kirkuk police chief General Turhan Yussef joined together to show that Coalition forces remain in Iraq after the transition and will continue their partnership with the Iraqi Security Forces.

"I think it's good to get this show kicked off as we turn over sovereignty," Schacht said after the July 1 show. "Eventually, we want this show to go more into a format of Iraqi leaders talking to their public."

Besides working with the Kirkuk television station, the 2nd BCT Information Operations cell helps spread the Coalition message through local newspapers, weekly press conferences and media advisories.

"We are doing everything in our power to inform the Iraqi people of all the good things such as projects, security and economic development within the Kirkuk province," Southard said. "Also, we are trying to get local Iraqis involved with the national, regional and local governments.”

(Editor’s note: Spc. Sean Kimmons is with the 25th Infantry Division (Light) public affairs office.)