On the occasion of August 8, Journalists Day, the head of the Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting (IRIB) Peyman Jebelli issued a message congratulating journalists, professionals working in news and information, and colleagues at the national media organization.
He emphasized the role and responsibility of the media in reporting events, reflecting the people’s demands, and safeguarding the truth.
According to iFilm, citing the public relations office of the national media organization, here is an English translation of the text of Jebelli’s message:
In the Name of the Lord of Truth and Veracity
August 8, Journalists Day, is a day to honor awakened consciences, trustworthy pens, truth-seeking eyes, and honest narrators in the realm of public awareness. It is a day to pay tribute to those who, amid crises and turmoil, keep the light of news burning and, through their lives, pens, images, and voices, serve as guardians of the nation’s collective memory.
Journalism is a great responsibility before truth, the people, and history. A journalist is the vigilant eye of society and the articulate voice of his or her time.
The national media organization, as the country’s most widespread, largest, and most influential public media institution, has always regarded itself as standing alongside the people and at the heart of the major events of our beloved Iran. From the days of the Sacred Defense to national events, from the cultural and social spheres to difficult and challenging arenas, our colleagues at IRIB have strived to convey to the world the voice of the Iranian people, the narrative of this nation’s dignity and independence, and the truth of Iran’s resistance and cultural vitality.
On this noble day, we bow our heads in reverence before the high station of the journalists, cameramen, reporters, technical personnel, production staff, and media workers of IRIB who have been martyred; those dear individuals who, beyond all peripheral matters, stood in the field for the people and sacrificed their precious lives in the cause of raising awareness, telling the truth, and fulfilling their media responsibilities.
The memory and names of these dear individuals will shine forever at the pinnacle of the history of the national media and in the immortal pages of the sacrifices made by media professionals. In particular, we remember a group of dedicated members of the national media organization who, from the difficult days of the second and third imposed wars to the present, when the front of narrative, imagery, news, and public opinion has become one of the main arenas of confrontation, stood firm on the front line of news reporting and storytelling with steadfast faith and a strong sense of responsibility.
Journalists across Iran and in various cities, particularly in the southern regions, which these days have become a battleground against the vile American enemy, have become narrators of the eternal epic of this enduring resistance. They rightly took as their guiding principle the message of the Martyred Leader, which he sent to the “Horizon of Transformation” conference on December 31, 2024:
“Today, victory for one side is determined by its ability to capture and convey its message and its narrative of reality, long before and far more than military tools enter the field and exert their influence. We must increase our precision, efforts, and innovation in this important arena.”
In doing so, they demonstrated their commitment to the principles of Velayat and their insight and awareness.
I extend my congratulations on Journalists Day to all journalists, reporters, cameramen, editors, chief editors, technical staff, researchers, translators, announcers, program producers, and all the hardworking members of the large national media family, without whose cooperation, the news and narrative that strikes at the enemy cannot reach its target.
Over the past year, our colleagues, from broadcast newsrooms and control-room personnel to our dedicated support staff, have remained steadfast in their commitment. During the height of air attacks and amid numerous dangers, they refused to abandon the frontline of news and did not retreat despite all the difficulties and shortcomings, so that there would be no disruption to the national media organization’s broadcasts. These committed, professional, and courageous efforts in maintaining the broadcast operation will certainly be rewarded in the presence of God.
I also once again pay my deepest respects to the revered martyrs of IRIB and bow my head before the patience and fortitude of their esteemed families; families who gave their loved ones in the cause of upholding truth, safeguarding society’s psychological security, and defending the truthful narrative of the Iranian people.
I pray to Almighty God to grant all members of the media community success in serving, dignity, health, insight, courage, and ever-increasing honor.
Peyman Jebelli
Head of the Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting (IRIB)
