Shahram Homayoun is an Iranian political activist and media figure, widely recognized as the founder of Channel One, a Persian-language television network based in Los Angeles. The channel produces daily programming for audiences inside Iran and across the Iranian diaspora, focusing on news reporting, political analysis, and social issues. Homayoun left Iran in 1991 and relocated to the United States following sustained pressure linked to his advocacy for democratic values, civil liberties, and human rights.
Before leaving Iran, Homayoun built a career in journalism, serving as editor of publications such as Hamkari magazine and Kargaran magazine, 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 discussions on governance, regional affairs, and social change.
After settling in Los Angeles, Homayoun launched Channel One as a 24-hour Persian-language television outlet dedicated to political commentary, current affairs, and public dialogue related to Iran. The network became known for its continuous coverage of major events and its direct analytical format. He later introduced the Ma Hastim movement, which gained visibility among segments of the Iranian public, particularly during periods of widespread protest. Through his media platforms, Homayoun played a role in sharing information with international audiences at 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 that contributed to greater international awareness of events unfolding in Iran. In later 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.
Homayoun is also known for emphasizing Iranian national identity and for supporting historical national symbols, including the Lion and Sun flag. He has consistently called for increased international engagement on Iran, advocating diplomatic and economic measures focused on accountability, often referencing historical international responses to other authoritarian systems.
In discussions of 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 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 system and regional role. 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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