The Word to cease operations: Letter from the Editor

Yasmeen Altaji | January 11, 2026

To our readers, viewers and listeners:

After five years serving the Assyrian community through independent journalism, The Word is ceasing operations, effective today, January 11, 2026.

On this day in 2021, The Word launched with an episode of what would become its flagship podcast. With your support, it expanded to become a full-fledged multimedia news outlet, hyperfocused on Assyrian affairs and dedicated to informing the community with reliable, fact-based reporting. The Word is closing as it opened: an uncompromisingly independent news source. 

This decision was not made lightly.

In its time, The Word covered hundreds of stories across formats and geographies for thousands of readers. From breaking urgent news out of Iraq and Syria to reporting local art and culture across the Assyrian diaspora, this coverage would not have been possible without those willing to share their stories and those who turned to our platform to read, watch and listen to them. We’re deeply grateful.

In line with our mission, all work published on The Word will remain accessible as part of a digital archive.

To members of our community who have followed The Word since its inception and to those who joined later on: Thank you for being part of this chapter of independent Assyrian journalism.