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NCRI –\u00a0Most of the world is focused on Iran\u2019s nuclear deal, ballistic missile programme, or its meddling in the affairs of other nation-states, but one thing that needs more attention is the growth of the Regime\u2019s media empire.<\/p>\n
The network of media outlets owned by the mullahs and their suppressive security forces poses a powerful propaganda threat and, as such, requires attention.<\/p>\n
It\u2019s one of the Regime\u2019s key tools in the \u2018export of revolution\u2019, alongside military operations, the establishment of religious footholds, and even certain charitable measures (i.e. building free clinics in Lebanon). The Regime will try every tactic to take control, even if they have to bribe people into putting up with them.<\/p>\n
The US has recognised the threat posed by the Regime\u2019s state TV and radio broadcasting empire and recently threatened to issue sanctions against it. Iran wasn\u2019t backing down though. They announced new networks that would broadcast in French and Russian, as well as some that would air in West Africa.<\/p>\n
How many media organisations does Iran own?<\/p>\n
There are no exact numbers, because it\u2019s not the sort of thing that Iran advertises, but it\u2019s believed that the Regime has at least 55 stations that broadcast in a variety of languages, as well as over 200 radio stations, hundreds of websites, and hundreds of printed newspapers.<\/p>\n
They are also using social media platforms to promote these outlets.<\/p>\n
Iran even founded an Islamic TV\/Radio Union in 2008 to consolidate all 236 Tehran-influenced regional and international media outlets from 36 countries. This includes ones run by state governments and even armed militias, like Hezbollah and Hamas.<\/p>\n
Its members include:<\/p>\n
\u2022 the Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting (IRIB)<\/p>\n
\u2022 Al-Alam TV<\/p>\n
\u2022 Press TV<\/p>\n
\u2022 HispanTV<\/p>\n
\u2022 Al-Kowthar<\/p>\n
\u2022 Al-Manar TV<\/p>\n
\u2022 Al-Mayadeen<\/p>\n
\u2022 Al-Qadir<\/p>\n
\u2022 Al-Ettejah<\/p>\n
\u2022 Al-Ahd TV<\/p>\n
\u2022 Al-Forat<\/p>\n
\u2022 Al-Nojaba<\/p>\n
\u2022 Afaq<\/p>\n
\u2022 Al-Baladi<\/p>\n
\u2022 Al-Mesar<\/p>\n
\u2022 al-Masireh TV<\/p>\n
\u2022 al-Saha<\/p>\n
\u2022 al-Yawm<\/p>\n
\u2022 al-Quds<\/p>\n
\u2022 Al-Aqsa<\/p>\n
Why has Iran developed a media network?<\/p>\n
Simply, the answer is propaganda. The Regime wants to promote their rule to as many people as possible, while also slandering their enemies, including the Iranian opposition People\u2019s Mojahedin Organization of Iran (PMOI\/MEK).<\/p>\n
When a large group of MEK members were transferred to Albania, Iran increased its efforts in media outlets across the Balkans. This is no coincidence.<\/p>\n