Dancing To Their Tune: The Image of ISIS in Kurdish media:: An Analysis of ISIS Warfare Coverage in Iraq

Yohan Othman Hama; Kovan Hussein Saado

doi:10.21928/juhd.v11n3y2025.pp136-146

Authors

Yohan Othman Hama Department of Media, College of Humanities, University of Sulaimaniyah, Kurdistan Region, Iraq
Kovan Hussein Saado Department of Media, College of Humanitarian, University of Sulaimani, Sulaimani, Kurdistan Region – F.R. Iraq

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.21928/juhd.v11n3y2025.pp136-146

Keywords:

ISIS, Kurdish Media, Framing Theory, Agenda-Setting, Terror

Abstract

Media is a powerful tool for disseminating information and shaping public perception. It also serves as a strategic instrument for governments and private entities to communicate their narratives. Engaging with media requires caution and expertise to avoid inadvertently spreading fear—especially in the context of terrorism.

The Islamic State of Iraq and al-Sham (ISIS, also known as ISIL) has been particularly adept at leveraging media to assert dominance, spread its ideology, and manipulate public perception. Kurdistan, an autonomous region in Northern Iraq, faced unique challenges in reporting on ISIS due to its proximity to occupied territories. In this complex media landscape, Kurdish outlets struggled to cover the terrorist group effectively, sometimes inadvertently amplifying its message. This phenomenon coincided with a surge in Kurdish recruits joining ISIS, leading to the formation of a Kurdish faction within the organization.

Using Framing Theory and the Agenda-Setting Model, this research employs content analysis to examine how Kurdish media portrayed ISIS. By analyzing news coverage from Kurdish news channels such as (Rudaw, NRT, K24, Kurdsat News, Spede and Payam) between June 2014 to June 218, this study investigates whether Kurdish media unintentionally contributed to the visibility or perceived legitimacy of ISIS. The findings will shed light on the unintended consequences of terrorism reporting and its role in shaping public narratives.

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