Launch of Saudi news channel sparks controversy among Iraqis

The announcement by Saudi media group MBC that it will launch a new TV channel — MBC Iraq — aimed at the Iraqi public has been met with a number of swift and angry responses, sparking defense of the station.
Iraqis watch the news on TV at a cafe on August 9, 2015 on al-Rasheed street in the capital Baghdad as Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi called for sweeping reforms, including abolishing the current post of his predecessor Nuri al-Maliki, in response to weeks of demonstrations against corruption and poor services. AFP PHOTO / SABAH ARAR (Photo credit should read SABAH ARAR/AFP/Getty Images)
Iraqis watch the news on TV at a cafe, Baghdad, Iraq, Aug. 9, 2015. - SABAH ARAR/AFP/Getty Images
Omer Iamge BW.jpg
Omar al-Jaffal
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Saudi media group MBC announced in early February that it will launch a new TV channel — MBC Iraq — aimed at Iraqi viewers. Soon after the announcement, a number of angry responses emerged in the Iraqi media and among political figures, which led MBC to defend its plan.

The MBC group generally produces entertainment shows and social content, which will also be aired on MBC Iraq that is scheduled to launch on the evening of Feb. 17.

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