|
Trending Topics
|
Understanding Iran's Vast Media Network in Arab Countries
(Washington Institute for Near East Policy) Hamdi Malik - Iran's Islamic Radio and Television Union (IRTVU) is the main propaganda arm of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps-Qods Force (IRGC-QF), supporting and in many cases creating the bulk of the television channels and other media outlets run by Iran's proxies abroad. Tehran's media strategy in the Middle East is an integral part of its effort to advance its regional expansionism. Established in 2007, IRTVU falls under the Iranian Ministry of Culture and Islamic Guidance, chaired by a minister who must receive approval from the Supreme Leader. Tasked with disseminating an anti-American and anti-Israeli narrative, the organization acts as an umbrella for "axis of resistance" media outlets. Today, IRTVU has more than 210 affiliates in 35 countries, including satellite television channels, radio stations, news websites, news agencies, training centers, media production companies, and research centers. The writer is an associate fellow at The Washington Institute and a Middle East analyst at IITV in London.