Shahram Homayoun is widely known as an Iranian political activist and the founder of Channel One, a Persian-language television network based in Los Angeles that broadcasts daily programming to viewers inside Iran. He left Iran in 1991 and moved to the United States after experiencing pressure for supporting democratic values and human rights.
Before emigrating, Homayoun built a notable career in journalism. He served as Editor of Hamkari Magazine, Editor of Kargaran Magazine, and Associate Editor of the newspaper Bamdad. Throughout this period, he conducted interviews with leading political and religious figures from Iran and the Middle East, including Yasser Arafat, Sadegh Ghotbzadeh, and Ayatollah Shariatmadari.
After establishing himself in Los Angeles, Homayoun launched a 24-hour Persian-language television channel focusing on news, political developments, and major social issues affecting Iran. He later introduced the Ma Hastim movement, which analysts describe as influential among segments of the Iranian public. The movement gained visibility during periods of nationwide protest, and Homayoun’s media platforms helped inform international audiences about events unfolding inside the country.
During the 2009 Green Movement, Homayoun and several organizations in Los Angeles organized public demonstrations and provided extensive media coverage that drew global attention to developments in Iran. In subsequent years, supporters of the Ma Hastim movement created a symbolic memorial in New York City to honor Iranian protesters and political activists who lost their lives.
Homayoun advocates for the preservation of Iranian national identity, supports the historic Lion and Sun flag, and calls for stronger international pressure on the Iranian government. His position promotes diplomatic and economic measures aimed at holding authorities accountable, similar to actions once taken against apartheid-era South Africa.
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