The Role of Journalism in Supporting National Security in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq

Journalism has an important impact on regulating public discourse and enhancing national security, especially in politically fragile and conflict-affected regions like the Kurdistan Region of Iraq (KRI). This study examines how Kurdish journalism contributes to national security by focusing on the media landscapes of Erbil and Sulaymaniyah. Utilizing a quantitative-analytical methodology and a comparative content analysis of two leading media outlets, the Rudaw Media Network and the Kurdistani Nwe newspaper, the research reveals key findings. The results indicate a significant disparity in coverage; Kurdistani Nwe allocates a substantially higher proportion of its content to national security (7.49%) compared to Rudaw (3.59%). Furthermore, Kurdistani Nwe demonstrates a stronger commitment to in-depth analysis and reports, whereas Rudaw prioritizes breaking news formats and has a wider international scope. These differences reflect the distinct political alignments and institutional strategies of the two outlets. The paper concludes with strategic recommendations for strengthening the role of journalism within the region's security framework.