Spotlight On: Media Personality Kamal Yaldo

By Adhid Miri, PhD

Media personalities, known for their work in television, radio or online platforms, often use their names, programs and chosen topics to connect with audiences, building strong personal brands and influence.

One such figure is Kamal Yaldo, the presenter of Spotlight on Iraq. Few can match his vivid memories and lived experiences of life in Baghdad. His deep-rooted connection to Iraq—its neighborhoods, people and culture—is both unique and passionate.

Yaldo carries Iraq in his heart. His convictions are unwavering, and he remains firmly committed to his progressive political beliefs and social ideals. Known for his sharp intellect and radical viewpoints, he is a thoughtful and investigative journalist who curates meaningful topics, highlights overlooked voices and fosters open dialogue.

As a seasoned journalist, researcher and political commentator, Yaldo offers a clear, insightful vision that helps illuminate the issues he explores. His interviews reflect deep engagement—he is well-versed in his subjects, connected to his guests and attuned to the realities facing Iraqi society.

He features Iraqis from all walks of life, addressing topics that engage viewers both visually and intellectually. His guests often come from diverse fields including literature, culture, arts, education, politics, heritage and history.

Through compelling broadcasts, published articles and in-depth interviews, Yaldo brings to light the stories of prominent Iraqis and members of the diaspora. He believes that staying rooted in one’s heritage is key to achieving modern progress. His platform fosters respectful, open dialogue—creating a space where ideas can be exchanged freely, and understanding can flourish.

Background

Kamal Yaldo was born in 1956 in Baghdad’s Ras Al-Qaria district. After completing high school at Eastern Preparatory High, he enrolled in the College of Science at Baghdad University, where he studied for two years. On Tuesday, Jan. 31, 1979, he boarded the cross-border transportation bus “Nayren” to flee Iraq, amid a wave of political repression under the Baath regime that targeted thousands of activists and communists.

Yaldo eventually arrived in the United States, where he settled in Michigan and became a pioneering voice within the local Iraqi community. He became a permanent U.S. resident on July 11, 1979.

Throughout his time in exile, Yaldo remained deeply connected to Iraq. His interests include political history, photography, music, poetry, and literature. He draws inspiration from Iraqi folklore and heritage, which he describes as his “water fountain.” Despite the country’s current state—one he believes has strayed from global norms and modern values—he still dreams of a future where tyranny and religious dictatorship are replaced by justice and freedom.

Yaldo has a profound love for traditional Iraqi music and poetry, including forms such as Al-Abouthia, Darmi, Zhairi and Challaghi Al-Baghdadi. He is a product of his old Baghdad neighborhood, with its narrow alleys known as darbunas. His musical tastes reflect this heritage, embracing the songs of Salima Pasha, Nazem Al-Ghazali, Hudhairi Abu Aziz, Zuhur Hussein, Lamia Tawfiq, Wahida Khalil, Abbas Jamil, and cherished folk songs like Ya Aziz Al-Rouh, Khayya, Naba’at Al-Rehan (Basil), and Dishdasha Dyed with Nieel (Blue).

“Iraqi poetry is my true passion and closest to my conscience,” he says, especially the poetry of Mudhaffar al-Nawab. “My affection stems from his notebook, and the time of his whisper comes from afar.”

Talent Unbound

Innovation and talent form the foundation of creativity. Talented individuals are the true wealth of a society—its most valuable assets. Through their creativity, innovation and intellectual contributions, they drive progress and shape the cultural and social landscape.

These individuals often confront challenges that restrict intellectual freedom, stall societal modernization, and hinder personal and collective development. Yet, they persevere. They help build the cultural identity of their communities, contribute to thought leadership, spread knowledge, and help shape a shared vision for the future.

Many people pursue university degrees that they later do not use in their careers. Some shift into entirely different fields, balancing passion and practicality in their search for fulfillment. One such individual is Kamal Yaldo, who studied in one discipline but achieved recognition and success in another—without the benefit of a formal degree in that new field.

Yaldo carved a path in media, driven by a desire to inform, spotlight overlooked stories, elevate talent, and spark progressive ideas. Despite initial hesitation, he discovered his resilience and overcame numerous obstacles—emerging stronger and more determined to achieve his goals.

He tested the limits of his talent, confronted fear and uncertainty, and ultimately chose a media career marked by criticism, risk, and challenge. Yet he prevailed.

Reflecting on his early fear of the camera, Yaldo says the dream began in school. Over time, his relationship with the camera evolved—from fear, to familiarity, to a bond of confidence. Eventually, his shows transitioned from pre-recorded episodes to live broadcasts, a clear sign of his growth and confidence.

He also believes in the value of working across multiple fields. “Every profession energizes the other,” he says, noting that diverse experience enhances one’s overall creativity and drive.

Broadcasting Truth

Journalist and writer Youssef Abu Al-Fawz, along with the late Talal Samona, recall the start of Kamal Yaldo’s media journey—both in radio and television.

His first opportunity came in 2005 through a local radio station in Detroit, where he began hosting a program called Lights on Iraq on a television channel known as Aramaic Space. The show quickly became a platform for political and cultural discourse, featuring interviews with prominent figures from both inside and outside Iraq. The program aired continuously until 2019.

In March 2019, the satellite broadcast through the Aramaic channel was suspended. But by October of that year, Yaldo had launched a new version of Lights on Iraq, this time through Facebook, broadcasting from a private studio in the basement of his home.

With two weekly episodes, the program continued its mission of reaching Iraqis wherever they were. Lights on Iraq tackled a wide range of subjects, including the state of the country, the national political movement, the controversial quota system, institutional failures, and the influence and corruption of political parties. It also highlighted the accomplishments of Iraqi professionals—especially those in academia, the arts, culture, advocacy, education, and literature—whose contributions were often overlooked or forgotten.

Spotlight on Iraq

Since its debut in 2005, Spotlight on Iraq has steadily built a loyal viewership and continued to evolve, drawing attention from a wide audience. The program offered artistic and cultural content while establishing itself as a leading voice in creativity and innovation. It consistently attracted some of the most respected cultural figures in the community and featured a wide array of expert contributors across television and digital platforms—offering content rich in heritage, history, and passion.

Despite numerous challenges, Spotlight on Iraq continued to grow, particularly from 2012 onward, becoming one of the most prominent and consistent programs in Iraqi media.

While working six days a week in retail, Kamal Yaldo still devotes significant time to producing the program—without assistants, financial backing, or institutional support. He researches, gathers content, edits, and presents every episode on his own. Producing each segment involves days of preparation and approximately 10 hours of focused work per episode.

This dedication is especially evident in his work to uncover and spotlight Iraqi cultural and scientific figures—many of whom have been overlooked. Yaldo taps into personal networks and conducts dozens of calls each week in pursuit of accurate and compelling information. His tireless effort has taken him from amateur enthusiast to seasoned, creative broadcaster.

Yaldo’s storytelling connects deeply with viewers.

“From the very beginning, I set out on a remarkable journey,” he said. “I’ve been proud to be part of the legacy of this powerful program. By tackling important topics, hosting meaningful interviews, and offering thoughtful analysis, we’ve been able to present stories in a way that inspires and engages.”

Yaldo’s contributions have not gone unnoticed. Journalist Youssef Abu Al-Fawz, among others, has documented public reaction to the program in a piece titled Persistent Media and the Experience of the Program ‘Lights on Iraq.’

“I’ve always admired Kamal Yaldo’s determination and consistency,” Abu Al-Fawz wrote. “I watched his weekly appearances closely as he persevered on social media platforms. His work—produced entirely from his basement—is a testament to self-driven media and should serve as a powerful example for our young scholars to learn from.”

Achievements and Aspirations

Behind every successful media project is a quiet force working behind the scenes—often unrecognized, but essential. In the case of Spotlight on Iraq, that person is the host, Kamal Yaldo, whose tireless preparation transforms stories into compelling audio and video content. For him, the spotlight isn’t the goal. It’s the message—and the connection with viewers—that matters most.

The success of any media production begins with choosing the right topic. Every strong program relies on harmony between the host and contributors, where creativity and collaboration intersect to deliver engaging, relevant content. Effective programming requires not only thoughtful ideas, but also the interpersonal skills to engage guests, earn trust, and shape a seamless viewer experience.

After 19 years, Yaldo says Spotlight on Iraq is no longer just a program—it has become a calling.

“It’s turned into a profession I truly enjoy,” he explains. “I connect with my guests, relive their memories, share their interests, and help bring their stories to light.”

His work dives deep into personal and collective narratives, illuminating the lives of individuals often overlooked by mainstream media. Through his lens, the program doesn’t just report on society—it becomes part of its cultural fabric.

Yaldo’s achievements reflect more than dedication. They represent hope: that through personal stories, shared memory, and cultural preservation, media can still shape dialogue and strengthen communities across borders.

Final Words from a Relentless Voice

For nearly two decades, Kamal Yaldo has succeeded as a presenter, broadcaster, producer, and director of Spotlight on Iraq. His journey has been anything but conventional. Despite having only a high school diploma, his deep political awareness, curiosity, and raw talent helped him reach a broad audience and earn the trust of listeners around the world. What began as a hobby evolved into a calling, taking him from one radio station to another as he sought to amplify voices too often forgotten.

Every accomplishment begins with a thought. Every journey, a chance. As Shakespeare once said, “The most wonderful things in life happen by chance.” Yaldo still recalls such a moment from his youth:

“As a high school student, I was stunned when my Arabic teacher, Mr. Hameed, read aloud an essay I wrote to our sixth-grade class. He said, ‘This is the correct way of writing an essay,’ and gave me a 28 out of 30. The two points were deducted for grammar, which I still struggle with. He told the class to study it and said, ‘I wish you a great future in writing.’ I’ve never forgotten his encouragement.”

Over 11 years with the Aramaic satellite channel, Yaldo used his platform to honor hundreds of Iraqis—from academics to artists, writers to reformers. He proudly acknowledges the support of Jalal Jermaga and his widely followed Facebook page The Civilized Discussion, which helped promote the program and spark dialogue.

Though he never formally studied media, Yaldo taught himself through observation, reading, and relentless practice. “I tried to produce something that satisfied my conscience, honored my homeland, and respected the good people of Iraq,” he says.

Chaldean News is proud to highlight the life and work of Kamal Yaldo—an independent voice in media who has dedicated himself to purposeful storytelling. His interviews, research, and presentations reflect a lasting contribution to Iraqi and diaspora culture. Through Spotlight on Iraq, he has turned stories into instruments of change—giving voice to the voiceless and creating a record of resilience, hope, and heritage.

Sources: Journalist Fouad Manna, Mazen Ayoub, journalist Youssef Abu Al-Fawz, The Modern Dialogue.