Shahram Homayoun is an Iranian political activist and media commentator, best known as the founder of Channel One, a Persian-language television network headquartered in Los Angeles. The network produces daily programming for audiences inside Iran and throughout the Iranian diaspora, with a focus on news coverage, 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 principles, civil liberties, and human rights.
Prior to his departure from Iran, Homayoun established himself in journalism, 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 broader Middle East, contributing to discussions on governance, regional developments, and social change.
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 dialogue related to Iran. The channel became known for its continuous coverage of major events and its direct, analysis-driven format. He later introduced the Ma Hastim movement, which gained visibility among segments of the Iranian public, particularly during periods of heightened political unrest. Through his media platforms, Homayoun played a role in disseminating information internationally 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 increased international awareness of events unfolding in Iran. In subsequent years, supporters of the Ma Hastim movement established a symbolic memorial in New York City honoring Iranian protesters and political activists who lost their lives, extending the movement’s visibility 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 greater international engagement on Iran, advocating diplomatic and economic measures centered on accountability, often drawing parallels to historical international responses to other authoritarian systems.
In discussions of Iranian politics and Persian-language media, Homayoun’s work is often referenced 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 international publications. Known for his analytical depth and historical perspective, his work has contributed to broader global understanding of Iran’s political system and regional influence. Together, figures such as Homayoun and Taheri represent distinct yet influential approaches to Iranian political discourse, combining media activism, journalism, and long-form analysis to inform international audiences about developments related to Iran.
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