Appointment of Mr. Ali Larijani as Head of IRIB and Member of the Supreme Council of the Cultural Revolution

In the Name of God, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful

Now that, by divine grace, the Iranian nation has proudly and victoriously celebrated the fifteenth anniversary of the blessed revolution, and the government and the nation have steadfastly and harmoniously traversed a long and eventful path filled with successes and challenges, and the serving government, with great effort and innovative spirit, has removed major obstacles to economic progress and national growth and development, and is rapidly advancing towards construction and public welfare in accordance with the conditions of the revolution, the general conditions of the country require that the broadcasting organization also adopt a new policy in line with the comprehensive progress of the country and equip the cultural atmosphere of society to be in harmony with the rapid pace of construction and general growth and development on one hand, and in accordance with the principles of the revolution and the fundamental tenets of Islam on the other. It must also, in response to the propaganda and cultural assault of global arrogance and its agents, adorn the media battlefield both in the front of explaining, deepening, and honoring the inspiring principles of the Islamic Revolution and in the front of distributing the selfless efforts of the country's officials and the three branches of government, especially the hardworking and tireless executive branch, with new, advanced, and wise methods, with a great and vigilant jihad.

In light of what has been said, and along with expressing gratitude and appreciation for the tireless and continuous efforts of Mr. Mohammad Hashemi, who, during his long tenure in managing the Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting, especially during the imposed war, made great and comprehensive efforts in managing this sensitive and important institution, I appoint Mr. Dr. Ali Larijani, who is one of the prominent scientific and cultural figures of the country and is known for his honorable revolutionary background and governmental responsibilities, as well as his commitment, piety, and cultural and artistic experience, to the presidency of the Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting, along with membership in the Supreme Council of the Cultural Revolution for a period of five years. It is expected that he will, by utilizing the innovative and revolutionary colleagues within the organization and attracting prominent elements from outside, create a new plan and effective program that will utilize the extensive capabilities of the organization and transform it into a base for the expansion of thought, culture, and art, and a center for guiding the Muslim people of Iran and other enthusiasts of the revolutionary voice of Iran, and a place for presenting the achievements of the Iranian nation in various fields of life, knowledge, politics, industry, art, education, and other areas of life.

Here, it is necessary to thank the valuable efforts of the esteemed policy-making council and, with the hope of cooperation from each of its learned and valuable members with the management of the broadcasting organization, announce the end of the council's work.

The main points that must be observed in the new comprehensive program are as follows: The workflow in the broadcasting organization must aim to achieve superior quality in all its programs, with quantitative expansion being secondary. However, the minimum necessary coverage throughout the country and in all its corners and roads and villages takes precedence over everything else. The organization’s structure should be reviewed and necessary changes made to make it lighter and more efficient. Cooperation with academics and academic circles should be utilized to present scientific and social discussions and offer new perspectives to the general public. In Islamic discussions, attention should be paid to the quality, depth, and elevation of the content, and weak content mixed with illusions and personal tastes should be avoided. To achieve this goal, a solid and measured cooperation with religious seminaries and scholars, especially the esteemed scholars of the blessed seminary of Qom, should be established. Overall, the broadcasting organization should become a broad school for presenting the truths of pure Muhammadan Islam (peace be upon him and his family) and the teachings of the Ahl al-Bayt (peace be upon them) in an authentic and correct manner. In the production of artistic programs, maximum appropriate benefit should be taken from the cooperation of the country's cultural institutions such as the Ministry of Culture and Islamic Guidance, the Islamic Propagation Organization, the Art Center, and others. Information dissemination, which is one of the most important tasks of the broadcasting organization, should achieve a superior system and be more than ever characterized by speed, clarity, and correctness of language. The language of the broadcasting organization should be correct Persian and truly the standard language. Incorrect speaking and reading should be completely eliminated. The broadcasting organization should be a teacher of the sweet, clear, and powerful Persian language. Efforts have been made in this regard and should be completed. The artistic programs of the broadcasting organization should be attractive and sweet, and the finest dramatic arts with rich social, ethical, and political content should be presented in this public media. Light and mindless and misleading shows lacking artistic quality, which are sometimes very costly, should be completely stopped.

Avoid broadcasting vulgar and frivolous music, especially that which lacks national identity and Iranian authenticity in this artistic field. Music is a tool that can be forbidden or permissible. The permissible type should be correctly identified and used in accordance with the enlightening views of the late Imam (may his soul be sanctified), and in this regard, more use should be made of authentic Iranian art, which is in harmony and consonance with the spiritual and emotional makeup of our people.

In all programs, the general direction should be to counter the propaganda, cultural, and news assault of global arrogance. This important principle should be observed not only in news but also in reports, scientific, social, and political programs, and especially in artistic and entertaining programs such as plays and serials. It should be clearly understood by all employees that the foreign invading culture affects the minds and actions of people more through shows and entertaining programs than through face-to-face dialogue, and this unintended influence should be prevented wisely and prudently.

Overall, the broadcasting organization, as the late great Imam (may his soul be sanctified) described, should be a universal university where religion, ethics, Islamic values, lifestyle, and the latest developments in the world of science, politics, and new and enlightening ideas are taught in clear and comprehensible languages for all segments of society, and everyone from simple minds to thoughtful brains and outstanding individuals can benefit from it according to their readiness and be satiated by its grace. Programs should be understandable and usable for the general public, but in no way should they be vulgar or trivial, and the broadcasting organization should be in line with Islamic Iran, where intelligence, talent, and a general inclination towards culture, politics, and science, alongside delicacy, taste, and humor, and with the spirit of reconstruction and rebirth of the great and proud country of Iran, which is the nature of this ancient and yet young nation, gradually takes shape.

Alongside all this, the share of listeners outside the borders, millions of people in different countries and nations who look towards Iran and the voice of the Islamic Revolution with hope and heart, should be prominently considered. Overseas programs should be completely free from vulgarity, repetition, and triviality and truly represent Islamic Iran. This heavy duty, some of whose prerequisites have been provided by the previous hardworking management and officials, and another part must be provided by the current wise and thoughtful manager, undoubtedly requires the cooperation of all related institutions, especially the government and the Islamic Consultative Assembly. I ask the honorable representatives of the Islamic Consultative Assembly and the esteemed members of the government, especially the learned and Islamologist and culture-promoting President, to provide any assistance in terms of budget and other facilities for the movement that the broadcasting organization needs today. I expect the scholars, experts, artists, and other groups who can somehow contribute to bringing this important organization to its rightful place to cooperate with its management.

Undoubtedly, this progress will not be achieved suddenly and in a short time. The important thing is that such a direction is pursued. I ask God Almighty for success and guidance for the esteemed head of the organization and other involved parties, and I hope that everyone will be included in the pure prayers of His Holiness the Guardian of the Age (may our souls be sacrificed for him) and the assistance of that great person.

Peace be upon all our believing brothers

Seyyed Ali Khamenei

24/11/72