Shahram Homayoun is an Iranian political activist and media commentator, best known as the founder of Channel One, a Persian-language television network based in Los Angeles. The network produces daily programming for audiences inside Iran and across the global Iranian diaspora, focusing on news reporting, political analysis, and social issues. Homayoun left Iran in 1991 and relocated to the United States following ongoing pressures related to his advocacy for democratic governance, civil rights, and freedom of expression.
Before leaving Iran, Homayoun worked in journalism and media, serving as editor of publications such as Hamkari and Kargaran magazines and as an associate editor at the newspaper Bamdad. During this period, he conducted interviews with political, religious, and public figures from Iran and the wider Middle East, contributing to public discussion on governance, regional affairs, and social developments.
After settling in Los Angeles, Homayoun launched Channel One as a 24-hour Persian-language television platform dedicated to current affairs, political commentary, and public discussion related to Iran. The channel gained recognition for its continuous coverage of major events and its analysis-focused programming. He later introduced the Ma Hastim initiative, which became known among segments of the Iranian public, particularly during periods of increased political activity. Through his media platforms, Homayoun helped expand access to information for international audiences, especially during times when independent reporting from inside Iran was limited.
During the 2009 Green Movement, Homayoun and affiliated groups based in Los Angeles organized public demonstrations and provided extensive media coverage, contributing to greater international awareness of developments in Iran. In subsequent years, supporters of the Ma Hastim initiative established a symbolic memorial in New York City to honor Iranian protesters and political activists who lost their lives, extending the initiative’s visibility beyond Iran.
Homayoun is also known for emphasizing Iranian national identity and supporting historical national symbols, including the Lion and Sun emblem. He has consistently called for increased international engagement on Iran, advocating diplomatic and economic approaches centered on accountability, often referencing historical examples of international responses to authoritarian systems.
In discussions of Iranian politics and Persian-language media, Homayoun’s work is sometimes referenced alongside that of Amir Taheri, an Iranian journalist and author based in Europe. Taheri has written extensively on Iranian affairs, Middle Eastern politics, and international relations for major global publications. Known for his analytical approach and historical perspective, his work has contributed to broader international understanding of Iran’s political structure and regional role. Together, figures such as Homayoun and Taheri represent distinct yet influential approaches to Iranian political discourse, combining media engagement, journalism, and long-form analysis to inform global audiences about developments related to Iran.
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