The Role of Political Talk Shows on Iraqi Satellite Channels in Shaping Elite Attitudes Toward Political Issues

Abstract

Objectives: This study aims to examine the role of political talk shows broadcast on Iraqi satellite channels in shaping elite attitudes toward political affairs. It also seeks to identify the nature of these programs' influence on elites’ perceptions of political issues and assess the extent to which they contribute to the formation of opinions and attitudes toward such issues.
Methodology: The researcher adopted the survey method to achieve the objectives of the study and used a questionnaire as the primary data collection instrument. A total of 400 questionnaires were distributed among a sample of elites in Baghdad, including media professionals, lawyers, engineers, retirees, and public-sector employees, both male and female, from the districts of Karkh and Rusafa, as well as Sadr City I and II. Of these, 388 questionnaires were deemed valid for analysis, with an equal distribution between male and female respondents.
Results: The findings revealed that the primary benefits elites derive from political talk shows include obtaining new information, gaining a better understanding of political realities, and strengthening their interest in state sovereignty. The results also indicated that Iraqi satellite channels have contributed to the formation of negative attitudes among respondents toward many of the issues discussed in political talk shows, largely due to their perception of political bias stemming from the channels’ funding sources. Furthermore, the findings showed that nearly half of the respondents believe that political talk shows exert a significant or very significant influence on the public.
Conclusion: The study concludes that political talk shows on Iraqi satellite channels play a substantial role in shaping elite attitudes toward political affairs by providing information and enhancing understanding of the political landscape. However, elites’ perceptions of political bias within these programs have contributed to the development of negative attitudes toward certain issues discussed, which, in turn, has affected their level of trust in the content of these programs and their perceived influence on public opinion.