Alhurra TV halts operations in Iraq after sudden U.S. funding cut

Alhurra TV halts operations in Iraq after sudden U.S. funding cut
…………….

The U.S.-based television network Alhurra has announced the cessation of its official operations in Iraq following a sudden decision by the U.S. Agency for Global Media (USAGM) to cut funding, despite Congress having approved continued support through the end of the 2025 fiscal year.

In a recent official statement, Alhurra said the USAGM, which oversees U.S.-funded media outlets, informed the network on March 15 of the funding termination—just one day after Congress approved the budget.

This development aligns with an austerity policy adopted by President Donald Trump’s administration, which earlier this year declared its intent to end all federal payments to media organizations receiving government funding as part of a cost-cutting strategy.

Launched in 2004 following the U.S. invasion of Iraq, Alhurra is a key Arabic-language American media outlet operating under the Middle East Broadcasting Networks (MBN).

MBN CEO Jeffrey Gedmin confirmed that Alhurra’s broadcasts will gradually wind down. He noted the network will try to maintain its digital presence but will significantly downsize its staff to just a few dozen employees.

The decision raises questions about the future of U.S.-funded international media and its role in the region amid shifting political and financial priorities in Washington.