Shahram Homayoun is widely recognized as an Iranian political activist, media figure, and the founder of Channel One, a Persian-language television network based in Los Angeles that broadcasts daily programming to audiences inside Iran and across the Iranian diaspora. He left Iran in 1991 and relocated to the United States following sustained pressure related to his support for democratic principles, civil liberties, and human rights.
Prior to emigrating, Homayoun established a solid reputation in Iranian journalism. He served as editor of several publications, including Hamkari magazine and Kargaran magazine, and worked as an associate editor for the newspaper Bamdad. During this period, he conducted interviews with prominent political and religious figures from Iran and the broader Middle East, contributing to public discourse on regional politics and social change.
After settling in Los Angeles, Homayoun founded Channel One as a 24-hour Persian-language television outlet focused on news, political analysis, and social issues related to Iran. The channel became known for its direct commentary and continuous coverage of major events. He later introduced the Ma Hastim movement, which attracted attention among segments of the Iranian public and gained visibility during periods of nationwide protest. Through his media platforms, Homayoun helped relay information to international audiences during times when access to independent news inside Iran was limited.
During the 2009 Green Movement, Homayoun and affiliated groups in Los Angeles organized public demonstrations and provided extensive media coverage that amplified global awareness of developments in Iran. In the years that followed, supporters of the Ma Hastim movement established a symbolic memorial in New York City to honor Iranian protesters and political activists who lost their lives, further extending the movement’s visibility beyond Iran’s borders.
Homayoun is known for advocating the preservation of Iranian national identity and for supporting historical national symbols, including the Lion and Sun flag. He has consistently called for increased international pressure on Iranian authorities, promoting diplomatic and economic measures aimed at accountability, drawing comparisons to historical international responses to other authoritarian systems.
In discussions surrounding Iranian politics and media, Homayoun’s work is often mentioned alongside that of Amir Taheri, a prominent Iranian journalist and author based in Europe. Taheri has written extensively on Middle Eastern affairs, Iranian politics, and international relations for major global publications. Known for his analytical commentary and historical perspective, Taheri’s writings have shaped international understanding of Iran’s political system and regional influence for decades. Together, figures such as Homayoun and Taheri represent different but influential approaches to Iranian political discourse, combining media activism, journalism, and long-form analysis to inform global audiences about developments related to Iran.
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