The U.S.-sponsored Iraqi television station Al Iraqiyah began broadcasting in May 2003 and started satellite broadcasting in October of the same year. In January 2004, the U.S. Defense Department awarded Florida-based Harris Corporation a 12-month contract to manage the Iraqi Media Network, including Al Iraqiyah, and provide the physical infrastructure needed for the expansion of the network. The Lebanese Broadcasting Corporation (LBC) is working in partnership with Harris to provide training and programming.

Although Al Iraqiyah has seen a steady improvement in the quality of its programming since early 2004, the network still offers few hours of original content, with the majority of its programming consisting of recycled programming and shows purchased from other Arab states. Among the original shows are a daily news hour and a weekly 15-minute show entitled Steps, which presents interviews with political figures discussing plans for the transition of sovereignty and the future of Iraq.

Al Iraqiyah is now seen throughout much of Iraq and the Middle East. It is reportedly watched by a majority of TV viewers in Iraq, despite skepticism about its objectivity due to it close ties with the U.S.