Omid-e-Iran has six hours of live programming from the UAE


Iran became an Islamic republic in 1979 after the ruling shah was forced into exile — conservative clerical forces established government. In addition, during 1980 to 1988, Iran fought a bloody, indecisive war with Iraq over disputed territory. A country known for its liberalism came under restrictive policies, art, culture and development field. Several top Iranian families migrated to various countries.

Nader Rafiee is one such Los Angeles-based Iranian expatriate, who established a 24-hour channel Omid-e-Iran there in 1995. It broadcasts news, movies, sports and entertainment programmes to Iranians all over the world. He opened a base for the channel in Dubai a few weeks ago, so it can reach more people in the region, with six hours dedicated to live programming from the UAE.

Rafiee spoke to Gulf News about his channel and its future development.

He says: "I have been in the business for 25 years. There are several Iranian channels being broadcast from the US, but none look in depth at the issues faced by our community the world over.

"We will have news coverage at the top of the hour, every hour, along with looking at economic issues.

"There will also be focus on political matters, but we are not a political organisation. The programmes will offer people a platform to present their views and arguments; the channel will not act as a voice for our personal political opinions. It will be an open and unbiased presentation.

"We do not have a hidden manifesto or ideology to impart through Omid-e-Iran."

Rafiee says the reason they selected to have an office and studio facilities in Dubai is that a large part of the business community supporting the channel is located in the UAE. It was in response to the demands of their clients. It is a free to air channel and revenue is generated through advertising.

"We will have three two-hour slots being taped in Dubai, which will be based on sports, talent search and business," he says. Omid-e-Iran has programmes in English and Farsi. He is currently working on opening an office in London in the near future. Success has arrived, but he isn't surprised by it.

"My father is a pioneer in the Iranian film industry and has made 90 films. I have worked as a child star. I graduated in the US, after getting proper education in the basics of the field, unlike many others who have just become programme producers. So the quality of work is going to be different.

"I have a good professional reputation, because I never faced problems to get backing for my ventures. For a while we did face problems when a group of Iranian students seized the US embassy in 1979. But nothing you cannot overcome with talent and hard work," Rafiee adds.

Viewers can watch the channel on 19279S.R.12608 2.3 Horizontal, Telestar 12 frequency.