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LUXEMBOURG CITY - Rudaw Media Network has become the eyes of the Middle East for dozens of international broadcasters, according to executives and member organizations at the European News Exchange (ENEX) annual Editorial Coordination meeting, where newly released network data underscored the Kurdish broadcaster’s growing influence in global journalism.
The findings, presented during the gathering in Luxembourg on May 28-29, showed Rudaw’s expanding role within ENEX, a global news-sharing association that connects 60 major television networks and media organizations across Europe, the Americas, Africa, and Asia.
Rudaw’s importance to the network was particularly evident during what ENEX described as the busiest operational period in its history: the night of Nov. 5, 2024, when news organizations around the world provided wall-to-wall coverage of the US presidential election.
As audiences worldwide closely followed developments from the United States, traffic across ENEX surged to nearly three times its normal monthly average.
Four digital distribution channels operated at full capacity throughout the night as broadcasters exchanged live feeds, reports, and breaking news coverage.
Amid that unprecedented demand, Rudaw was among a select group of international broadcasters that remained on air throughout the peak period. Together with leading broadcasters from Belgium, Poland, Israel, Portugal, and Slovakia, Rudaw contributed to the highest traffic volume ever recorded on the network, while ENEX maintained uninterrupted service without a single signal failure.
The figures reflect a broader shift in international journalism, where audiences and broadcasters increasingly depend on trusted regional news organizations for firsthand reporting and local perspectives.
“Rudaw has become a significant source of content and information, the eyes and ears of ENEX’s international partner channels across the Middle East,” said Mark Evans, ENEX’s Head of News.
That role was repeatedly highlighted throughout the two-day meeting, where editors and executives discussed ways to strengthen collaboration and adapt to rapidly evolving media technologies.
Representatives from fellow ENEX members, including CBS and Sky News, praised Rudaw for its consistent and reliable coverage of developments across the Middle East.
They pointed to the network’s reporting on the war against the Islamic State (ISIS), regional political conflicts, US-Iran war, and stories highlighting minority communities that often receive limited international attention.
The discussions underscored how Rudaw has evolved from a regional broadcaster into a trusted source that helps shape coverage far beyond the Middle East.
Its news packages, live broadcasts, and exclusive reporting are now regularly used by major broadcasters across Europe and around the world.
Speaking to Rudaw, Evans said the network’s success is rooted in the professionalism and expertise of its journalists and production teams.
“When people see footage from Rudaw, they know there is integrity behind it,” he said. “They know there is strong editorial decision-making and a depth of knowledge and experience that gives them confidence in what they are watching.”
He added that Rudaw’s greatest value lies in its ability to provide an authentic local perspective.
“What we rely on Rudaw for is to be ENEX’s eyes as a newsgathering operation in that region,” Evans said. “That is incredibly valuable to us.”
Throughout the meeting, delegates and partners repeatedly described Rudaw as ENEX’s primary window into the Middle East, citing its frontline reporting on wars, political crises, and developments involving armed groups across the region.
As international media organizations continue to face financial pressures, shrinking foreign bureaus, and growing challenges in gathering news on the ground, Rudaw’s role within ENEX has become increasingly important. For many of the world’s leading broadcasters, the network is no longer simply a contributor of content but a trusted partner helping them understand and report on one of the world’s most consequential regions.