In this issue of the monthly magazine “Peace Line” and considering the subject of our special file, we have approached the editor-in-chief of the newspaper “Shargh”, as one of the most professional newspapers currently in Iran, which is close to the reformist camp. Our efforts to have a conversation with one of the managing directors or editors of the newspapers of the opposing faction, namely the fundamentalists, were not fruitful.

The Shargh newspaper was first published on September 2, 2003, with Mehdi Rahmanian as the managing director and Mohammad Ghouchani as the editor-in-chief. This newspaper, which has been active in the domestic media since autumn 2010 under the editorship of Davood Mohammadi, has been seized four times during its operation, with the last time being in October 2012 due to the publication of a cartoon by Hadi Heydari titled “Blindfolded Eyes”.

Davood Mohammadi, who holds a Master’s degree in Political Science from Tehran University, has approximately 20 years of experience in the media industry. He has previously worked for newspapers such as Sobh-e Emrooz, Salam, and Yas-e Now. He also has a record of being the editor-in-chief of Sarmayeh and Bahar newspapers.

In an interview, he says that the sensitivity towards the media in Iran is exaggerated, because nowadays with the advancement of technology and the emergence of various media and communication networks, the role of newspapers in informing the public has diminished and it is no longer like the past where the reflection or lack of reflection of news in society and among people was solely dependent on its publication in newspapers.

Mr. Mohammadi also believes that maintaining a political position in a newspaper does not contradict independent journalism; this is a mindset, not a commitment to an individual, and it exists everywhere in the world…

Mr. Mohammadi; It has been approximately one year since the eleventh government came into power. What is your opinion about the current state of the media in Iran? If you were to compare it to last year, how do you see it?

From our perspective as active members in the media field, the overall situation in this area has improved compared to the past. However, we still have a long way to go in terms of professional journalism standards in the world. Nevertheless, these days, there are positive changes taking place. The previous government not only did not support the media, but also created obstacles and hindrances for independent media activities, which made it difficult for independent media to operate. If I were to give an example, the Shargh newspaper published a design that was later claimed to be the same as the headband design worn by combatants during the eight-year war. Some critics interpreted it as an insulting gesture, but we were later acquitted in court and the public did not agree with this interpretation because the design had no such intention. However, after the publication of this design, the Minister of Culture and Islamic Guidance took direct action and instead of defending the rights of the media, he demanded the suspension of Shargh even

It means that you believe that within the existing laws, one can act much more freely and if there is any confrontation, it is a matter of personal taste?

See, the problem with Iranian media is two or three-fold, and the most important of them, in my opinion, is the Press Law. Many experts have said that this law lacks comprehensiveness and effectiveness. The argument being raised is why the media should be shut down for small mistakes, and the more important point is that many of these issues that are considered mistakes by the media are actually misinterpretations and not accusations (like our own newspaper’s plan that I mentioned as an example). They shut down the media even before their case is referred to the court, and then they say come and defend yourself in court. Recently, you may have heard that the government is looking for a solution to turn journalistic crimes into financial crimes; meaning that it should not be the case that because of one mistake, the whole newspaper is shut down and a means of communication is blocked, and a large number of people become unemployed. We have many examples where mistakes happen in radio and television – which is natural

This is a point about the media that actually has a flaw in the law and needs to be corrected. This correction should be in a way that firstly defines the activities that involve media crimes very transparently to prevent misinterpretation. Secondly, it should concentrate on the institutions that monitor media activities. Currently, two or three institutions can make decisions. Mr. Ali Motahari has repeatedly mentioned that as a member of the media supervision board, it sometimes happens that after the confiscation of a publication, we become aware of the issue that this is a flaw in the law. There should be a focus on centralizing the decision-making process of several institutions regarding the media, publications, and the like, and remove it from this scattered state.

Another point that exists, is the one that Mr. Rouhani mentioned, under the title of “Steel Fortress”. There are some media outlets that, due to their specific political biases, have almost complete freedom of action and say whatever they want, without adhering to ethical and legal standards of media conduct, but nothing happens to them. Meanwhile, other media outlets, due to their specific political biases, are under scrutiny and observation, and are punished for even the slightest mistake or misinterpretation of their content. These issues make it difficult for independent and free media outlets to operate, and they are put in an unequal competitive situation.

In your opinion, to what extent has the current situation of the media in Iran led to the institutionalization of self-censorship among media owners?

The impact of this situation on the issue of self-censorship is undeniable. There are many who, with political motivations rather than national or professional ones, monitor the media, examine potential mistakes, and unfortunately, often interpret the content in a biased manner and make accusations that are not present in the text or in the minds of the media creators. This highlights the issue and puts the media at risk. In some cases, especially with pointless propaganda or actions, they go as far as to censor the media. For these reasons, it is natural for the media to be concerned about avoiding the reflection of content that may cause problems, which goes against the very self-censorship you mentioned.

Of course, the level of self-censorship in different publications is also different. Some try to lower their self-censorship coefficient by adhering to the law and reflecting the content in a way that prevents inappropriate interpretations. However, in any case, media outlets with lower self-confidence or under more pressure are forced to engage in higher levels of self-censorship.

According to the category you mentioned, which category do you consider Shargh newspaper to be part of?

The answer to this question is very difficult… We are trying to be part of the group that has less self-censorship. Of course, this does not mean that we can be reckless and say everything, but in cases where we feel that the documentation is sufficient and the likelihood of biased reading and the use of unjust threats is low, we publish the content.

In any case, according to your own definition, it is possible that you may not have the necessary self-confidence…

You are right. You see, there is a pattern that exists in the media, where self-censorship is usually reduced or increased in relation to the space. This means that there is a period where the pressures are lower and the confidence of the media is higher, and the content that is reflected takes some distance from self-censorship. There are also periods where it is felt that the external conditions are not such that self-censorship can be avoided. In fact, the conditions that prevail over the political space in Iran determine the ceiling of the media’s flight, which can go up and down, and accordingly, the media act. I don’t think there is a publication that claims not to self-censor in Iran, especially in the field of independent and free media, but the extent of its potential and its continuity varies among different publications. In any case, all publications do their utmost to fulfill their main duty towards the audience, which is accurate information dissemination, and to remain committed

Prohibition or high risk of dealing with certain sensitive political issues, in your opinion, to what extent has it led newspapers to move towards publications that focus more on intellectual discussions?

See, I’m talking about our newspaper. In the East, our default is to respond to the diverse needs of our different audiences. Since the definition of the East has always been to choose the elites of society as our target audience, it is natural to address their needs and a part of our audience is interested in intellectual discussions. While intellectual discussions are deeper and can provide a comprehensive view of issues, regardless of daily debates, it organizes the mind if approached correctly. Therefore, we have had this matter in the East from the beginning and as far as I know, there has never been a break in the pages of our intellectual [newspaper]. So having an intellectual page does not mean that we want to distance ourselves from the news and fill the page, so to speak. The intellectual pages are set up and continue to respond to the needs of many of our audiences who are interested in these discussions. Now whether this section has been successful in achieving its goals or whether we have chosen the

From my perspective, it wasn’t about filling pages. I wanted to address the question of whether the transformation of newspapers into book pages and thoughts can be seen as a form of hidden censorship? (For example, compared to the content of newspapers in the 1970s)

No, that’s not true; of course, I can speak as the East and other friends in other newspapers definitely have their own opinions. You see, the nature of thought pages is sensitive to the topics discussed in them. That is, the thought page cannot be a suitable solution for avoiding current issues and, as you put it, resorting to hidden censorship. Just as political discussions are controversial, there is also sensitivity towards intellectual discussions. It is possible for topics to be raised there that may not be pleasing to some people’s taste, and the same problems that may arise in news pages, also have the potential to arise in thought pages. Therefore, I do not agree that these pages are a solution for resorting to hidden censorship.

You also mentioned the lack of job security for journalists in your conversations. My question is, to what extent do you evaluate the impact of restrictions on press freedom on the job security of employees in this field?

See, our number of publications (serious publications, I mean) is not very high. Therefore, people who are chosen to work in this field do not have many options for employment. So, when, for example, a newspaper encounters a problem, these individuals do not have many opportunities to choose alternative newspapers; especially since all newspapers have their staff complete and it is not the case that if one newspaper is shut down, there is space for others to come and work there.

On the one hand, the economic challenges that exist in Iran also exist in the media, but with the difference that these challenges are more serious in the media. Media outlets, like producers of other goods and services, cannot increase their single copy rate in proportion to price increases. Newspapers are unable to increase prices due to fear of losing their audience and out of respect for their rights. However, when there is inflation and high prices, readers also cut back on their expenses, as is common in Iran, by removing cultural goods from their basket or reducing their purchases, including newspapers. Therefore, they are forced to bear the high costs of paper, ink, film, and other items, but keep the prices stable. There was a trend in the previous government regarding newspapers (which is not seen in the current government and the situation is better), which was that they did not give advertisements to independent newspapers and only distributed government advertisements in newspapers that supported them. Even the private sector, which was willing to

Mr. Mohammadi, what do you know about the main duty of a media element and an active figure in the field of writing to preserve the freedom of expression?

In my opinion, like everywhere in the world, the most important mission of a media outlet is to be objective, consider national and public interests, and not have any bias towards individuals, groups, or parties. It should be fair and free from hatred, love, and prejudice, and reflect the news while being a platform for different perspectives. At the same time, it can have its own political stance and reflect it through various formats such as headlines and editorials. However, it should be in a way that the voices of all segments of society are heard in the newspaper.

Aside from this, discussing people’s issues is also very important. In my opinion, newspapers should not only be immersed in political and partisan issues, but also be aware of matters that may not have a political aspect but are related to people’s lives.

Furthermore, if there are negative aspects in society, it is the duty of the journalist to reflect them; at the same time, they should not overlook the positive and valuable developments or events that are taking place in society – whether among political activists, intellectuals, or even among the people. In other words, it should be a mirror that reflects the entire spectrum of society, both its shortcomings and its positive aspects. For example, an independent media should also pay attention to issues such as forgiveness in cases of retribution, or such matters that show that the Iranian culture is still fertile, so that the mindset of the audience, especially the new generation, does not become entrenched in the assumption that everything in this society is deficiency, flaw, and darkness.

Do you not think that the issue of media being able to maintain their own political stance raises concerns about their independence and the independent journalism that you yourself believe in?

This is not my opinion. Any newspaper in the world, no matter where you look, has a specific political inclination. For example, they may be liberal or leftist, and these inclinations are evident in their overall policies and can be seen in their headlines and articles. Let’s say we belong to the reformist camp, so it is natural that in our policies, the arrangement of headlines and articles, and so on, issues related to reformists and protecting that ideology are given more importance. I don’t think maintaining this political position in the East contradicts independent journalism. This is a way of thinking, not a commitment to a person. For example, regarding Mr. Rouhani, even though we support him, if we feel there is weakness or deficiency, we will speak up and publish critical articles in this regard. This support is critical and does not mean that we blindly approve all the thoughts and decisions of one ideology and reject all issues related to the opposing side…

And the last letter…

A large part of the sensitivity towards the media in Iran is exaggerated. You see, up until a decade or two ago, if people wanted to read something or if there was news that needed to be reflected in society, there was no other option but to read newspapers. In these circumstances, the high sensitivity towards the media was justifiable. Because they would say, if the media doesn’t report this news, or if they report it in a way that we don’t like, awareness won’t be raised, information won’t be disseminated, or it won’t be done in the desired manner.

But now, things have changed; for example, satellite has come and has many channels that cover all tastes, including those who follow news and analysis. The internet has come, which immediately reflects the news and now, if they are outside the border, they are not in the constraints of censorship and self-censorship and such issues and can inform the audience in the moment. Even the phenomenon of mobile and its connection to social networks has created a form of citizen journalism. This means that at the moment of events, these events are recorded by mobile phone cameras and are reflected along with reports or news on such networks. The penetration rate of these issues in the world and also in Iran is very high and the share of newspapers in informing has decreased. You must know that, for example, in the West, some written media prefer to stop publishing and go towards launching a website; this also has a very small cost economically and in terms of access to them, and it is natural that people’s tendency

Thank you for the opportunity you have given us to use the peace line.