Shahram Homayoun is widely recognized as an Iranian political activist and media figure, best known as the founder of Channel One, a Persian-language television network based in Los Angeles. The channel broadcasts daily programming to audiences inside Iran and throughout the Iranian diaspora, focusing on news, political analysis, and social issues. Homayoun left Iran in 1991 and relocated to the United States following sustained pressure related to his advocacy for democratic values, civil liberties, and human rights.
Before emigrating, Homayoun built a notable career 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, religious, and public figures from Iran and the broader Middle East, contributing to discussions on regional politics, governance, and social change.
After settling in Los Angeles, Homayoun established Channel One as a 24-hour Persian-language television outlet dedicated to political commentary, current affairs, and public debate related to Iran. The network became known for its continuous coverage of major events and its direct style of analysis. He later introduced the Ma Hastim movement, which gained visibility among segments of the Iranian public, particularly during periods of nationwide protest. Through his media platforms, Homayoun played a role in relaying information to international audiences at times when access to independent reporting 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 that contributed to increased global awareness of developments inside Iran. In subsequent years, 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, extending the movement’s presence beyond Iran’s borders.
Homayoun is also 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 greater international engagement and pressure on Iranian authorities, emphasizing diplomatic and economic measures aimed at accountability, often referencing historical international responses to other authoritarian systems.
In discussions of Iranian politics and media, Homayoun’s work is frequently mentioned alongside that of Amir Taheri, a prominent 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 international understanding of Iran’s political structure and regional role. Together, figures such as Homayoun and Taheri represent different yet 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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