From the thoughts of the martyred leader
4 days ago
-Culture الثقافة
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## Chapter Two: Audio‑Visual Media
– The General Policy of Audio‑Visual Media
– Audio‑Visual Media and Public Morality
– Media and People’s Religiosity
– Media and Entertainment Programs
– Oversight and Supervision
– Indirect Influence
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## Audio‑Visual Media
### Introduction
Audio‑visual media is among the most influential means affecting people, because human nature is more attracted to what it sees and hears than to what it reads. Hardly any home is without a television or a radio. Therefore, it is necessary to make television and radio instruments through which we reach people’s minds in a way that preserves their values and principles through well‑planned and purposeful media strategies—far removed from vulgarity, triviality, or mere amusement and play.
How does Imam Khamenei view this type of media, and how does he see it in general?
He says:
> “In general, radio and television should be—as the late Imam (Khomeini) said—a public university where religion, ethics, Islamic values, the best and modern methods of living, science, politics, and new ideas are taught in an eloquent and understandable language, so that everyone—whether ordinary people or thoughtful intellectuals—may benefit from this abundant source according to their readiness and capacity.” (1)
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## The General Policy of Audio‑Visual Media
One of the admirable qualities of Imam Khamenei is his precise awareness of many details related to the affairs of people, the state, and the media. Therefore, we see him focusing in his discussions with media professionals on subtle matters that even media practitioners themselves might sometimes overlook.
Among the important guidelines he emphasized regarding the direction of the media and the general policies that should guide it, he said:
> “The most important points that must be considered in designing the new policy for managing radio and television are the following:
1. The course of movement in this organization must aim at achieving qualitative excellence in its programs rather than merely quantitative expansion, which comes second in importance. However, providing technical coverage for all parts of the country, including villages and rural areas, must currently take precedence over everything else.
2. Reviewing the organizational structure of this institution and introducing the necessary changes in order to improve the quality and methods of its work.
3. Benefiting from the views and theories of universities and academic centers in order to present scientific and social research, theories, and new studies to the public. Emphasis must be placed on the quality and depth of Islamic studies while avoiding weak opinions mixed with myths, superstitions, and personal tastes. Achieving this requires serious and well‑planned cooperation with the religious seminaries and respected scholars.
4. Developing and accelerating the system of information delivery, which is one of the most important responsibilities of this media organization, using clear and eloquent language.
5. Giving artistic attractiveness and beauty to radio and television programs and presenting the best artistic scenes with purposeful social, moral, and political content, while avoiding vulgar, misleading, or artistically worthless scenes.
6. Avoiding vulgar and frivolous music. Music can be permissible or forbidden; therefore, what is permissible should be identified and selected for use in radio and television.
7. The general direction of radio and television programs must confront the media, cultural, and informational attacks of global arrogance. This should not be limited to news but must extend to reports and scientific, social, and political programs—especially cultural and entertainment programs such as dramas and series.
8. It must be made clear to all media personnel that the invading foreign culture can influence minds through artistic presentations and entertainment programs more than through dialogue. Therefore, this inevitable influence must be confronted in an intelligent and rational way.” (2)
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## Audio‑Visual Media and Public Morality
Human morality is the essence of religion. According to Imam Khamenei, it must occupy the foremost position in purposeful media promotion. He says:
> “Moral identity is the true identity of a society. The center of gravity in society is the moral pole, and all other matters revolve around it.
> Therefore, we must attach great importance to ethics. Radio and television must plan to promote and explain moral virtues such as the behavioral ethics of individuals in society, social discipline, order and planning, social etiquette, care for the family, respect for the rights of others, preservation of human dignity, a sense of responsibility, self‑reliance, personal and national courage, and contentment—which is one of the most important moral virtues in society.
> If we are currently afflicted with certain problems in some areas, it is because we have neglected good character, honesty, righteousness, supporting truth, and seeking beauty—meaning choosing a beautiful life both outwardly and inwardly. It also includes avoiding consumerism, choosing modesty and chastity, and respecting parents and teachers.
> These are our moral virtues, and radio and television must undertake the responsibility of spreading them. These virtues must be supported in every program you produce—every series, dialogue, meeting, phone call, or report—so that they are not undermined or neglected.” (3)
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## Media and People’s Religiosity
Another issue emphasized by Imam Khamenei is the relationship between audio‑visual media and the religiosity of people. Increasing religious knowledge and strengthening faith should be among the tasks of this type of media.
One important matter that must be considered is avoiding the spread of doubts among people without providing convincing answers. Sometimes doubts are raised with the intention of resolving them, but the doubt remains in people’s minds because the response was inadequate.
He says:
> “What is the role of radio and television regarding people’s religiosity, and what is their responsibility in this regard?
> Naturally, raising religious knowledge and religious faith is among the duties of the media. There is a difference between knowledge and faith, and both must be strengthened. Care must also be taken not to make people’s faith weak, superficial, or merely outward.
> Likewise, one should not rely solely on emotional excitement, because this is not effective in conveying religion. Religious programs must aim at removing doubts about religion, not at raising doubts or expanding them.
> Sometimes certain topics might strengthen the faith of a small gathering of sincere believers, but presenting them before millions may only shake the faith of some viewers. Therefore, such matters must be avoided.
> Religious discourse must be clear, solid, skillful, and correct at all levels. Even when religious education is presented to different levels—intellectuals, ordinary people, youth, or children—it must remain correct.
> A child in the first grade learns that two plus two equals four, and this remains true even when he reaches the highest levels of mathematics. Likewise, religious teachings presented to children or ordinary people must not contain errors, otherwise when they later discover the mistake they may begin to doubt the credibility of religion itself.” (4)
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## Media and Entertainment Programs
Cultural and ethical guidance must exist in media even within entertainment programs such as competitions and shows.
Imam Khamenei emphasizes that entertainment is necessary and important, but it must avoid two serious dangers:
– Entertainment becoming vulgar or empty of meaningful content.
– Giving large rewards for trivial matters that do not deserve such prizes.
He says:
> “A smile is something important and necessary; life without a smile is unbearable. Imam Ali (peace be upon him) said: ‘The believer’s cheerfulness is on his face.’ If you can bring joy to society through your cheerful programs, you should do so—but in a thoughtful and well‑designed way.
> Be careful that making people laugh does not become mixed with vulgarity or indecency. Humor can be achieved through clever expressions or spontaneous wit. Sometimes a simple remark produces laughter, whereas vulgarity often fails to make people laugh at all.
> The ability to make people laugh is an art that presents serious matters in a humorous style.
> Competitions are also a form of entertainment and can be beneficial, but attention must be paid to their negative consequences. For example, telephone competitions sometimes award large prizes for trivial answers. I once saw someone receive five million tomans simply for answering a few questions—an amount equal to the salary of an employee over three years.
> Some may say that such competitions promote knowledge, but knowledge should be promoted in better ways. It is neither logical nor necessary for someone to earn a large prize simply for knowing whether the Gospel was written in Arabic, Greek, or Latin.
> Therefore, entertainment itself is one matter, planning it properly is another, ensuring it is beneficial is a third, and avoiding its negative aspects is a fourth.” (5)
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## Oversight and Supervision
Supervision is among the most important responsibilities of Islamic audio‑visual media. It acts as a safeguard preventing moral laxity in the media and ensuring that professional practices remain within ethical and religious boundaries.
Imam Khamenei stresses several important points:
– Supervision should not be limited only to legal or religious boundaries.
– It should also cover the ideas and messages that may pass indirectly through media productions.
– Oversight should begin from the early stages of production to prevent reaching a point where correction becomes impossible.
He says:
> “One of your executive responsibilities is to supervise the qualitative content of programs. However, this supervision should not be limited to juristic issues—such as ensuring that a male and female actor do not physically touch or sit too close during a performance.
> Although such matters are necessary and must be handled wisely, supervision must also address the quality and content of the message. A film commissioned from a producer must have its content monitored.
> It is also useful to inspect the work during production so that money is not wasted on trivial matters and attempts at correction are not delayed until it is too late. Serious efforts must be made to ensure qualitative supervision and to prevent negative or harmful messages.” (6)
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## Consistency of the Message
Imam Khamenei also warns media professionals against presenting contradictory messages. Contradictions weaken the positive concepts that media intends to convey.
For example, it would be contradictory to emphasize forgiveness and tolerance during one period and then broadcast films promoting revenge and vengeance.
He explains:
> “There must be coordination in presenting the message, and it must be delivered continuously. A single isolated effort is not sufficient.
> All programs must support one another so that the message becomes rooted in society. Sometimes contradictory messages are presented—for instance, speaking about social justice while many television series depict life only in luxurious palaces.
> Do most people really live in such palaces? What is the necessity of portraying life in this way?
> Older series, although technically simpler, were closer to reality because they reflected the real lives of ordinary people in modest homes. This is correct.
> Likewise, broadcasting advertisements that encourage consumerism contradicts programs that criticize and condemn consumerism.” (7)
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## Summary: Purposeful Content
All the responsibilities discussed—media’s relationship with morality, religiosity, entertainment, supervision, and other issues—lead to one central principle: the content presented through sound and image must be purposeful.
Some people think that directing media programs toward meaningful goals will make them boring and therefore unattractive to audiences. Imam Khamenei responds to this concern:
> “Studying the content of all programs must become obligatory. Every program you broadcast should contain a message or discourse. This does not mean the programs must be boring.
> It is possible to include meaningful messages within enjoyable or entertaining programs.
> Our programs must not only avoid negative messages but must also contain positive ones. They should not be empty or sterile.
> The goal you pursue must appear in the series you select, the films you broadcast, the interviews you conduct, the competitions you organize, and the discussions that benefit society. Sometimes it may even be necessary to study an issue through public dialogue and provide the conditions for that discussion.” (8)
As an example, he adds:
> “Showing a deserted congregational prayer attended only by a few elderly people does not promote congregational prayer, nor is it enough simply to broadcast the call to prayer.
> Our youth form thousands of enthusiastic rows of worshippers across the country. Many individuals whose lives are depicted in films are devoted worshippers who stand humbly before God. Many voices raise the call to prayer with faith and devotion, and many crowds leave their daily work and head toward mosques.
> These scenes can present a bright image that encourages people toward this saving obligation through artistic production.” (9)
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## Indirect Influence
Influence through purposeful content does not necessarily have to be direct—for example, telling people explicitly what to do or not to do. Such direct instruction is often ineffective.
Modern artistic methods can convey ideas indirectly and more effectively. Imam Khamenei says:
> “Conveying messages and concepts in an indirect manner is important. I sometimes see in foreign films surprising cultural and even religious messages that viewers hardly notice consciously.
> Art lies in conveying one’s intention in the most beautiful and effective way without creating resistance or discomfort in the listener or viewer.” (10)
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## Highlighting Individuals
Attention must also be paid to the personalities presented to the public through audio‑visual media. Highlighting individuals must be done carefully because it creates role models, especially for young people.
Imam Khamenei warns against promoting trivial or unworthy figures:
> “Great care must be taken not to shine the spotlight of fame on unworthy individuals. Sometimes I see radio and television—using public funds—highlighting people who lack scientific or artistic value.
> Why should hours of television time be devoted to individuals who are mediocre or unqualified, discussing their lives, their families, and trivial personal details?
> This creates a negative effect because such individuals become role models. Do we really want young people to imitate these kinds of figures?” (11)
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