Ideological Orientations in the Editorial Policies of Iraqi Newspapers and Their Impact on Adherence to Professional Standards: A Critical Analytical Study

Abstract

This study aims to analyze the influence of ideological orientations on the editorial policies of Iraqi newspapers and their impact on journalists’ adherence to professional standards in their journalistic performance. The research is based on a field study conducted with a purposive sample of 54 journalists working in seven newspapers with diverse ownership structures (semi-official, partisan, and private). The study employed a descriptive analytical approach and used a structured questionnaire to explore the relationship between the ideological framework of media institutions and the level of professional practices, such as accuracy, credibility, and objectivity.

The findings revealed that editorial policies—often shaped by the newspaper’s owner or funder—are directly influenced by the ideological leanings of those in control, which affects both media coverage and editorial content. The results also showed that ideological direction tends to limit journalists’ commitment to basic professional standards, particularly when reporting on politically or socially sensitive issues. Additionally, the absence of a written editorial policy increases the likelihood of arbitrary content guidance and weakens journalistic independence. The study concludes with a call to formally document editorial policies, activate professional codes of conduct, and enhance the working environment to ensure a balance between freedom of expression and professional responsibility.