Ettela’at newspaper stands as one of Iran’s oldest and most respected publications playing a key role in Iranian media for almost 100 years. Tehran saw the birth of this newspaper in 1926, and since then, it has reported on crucial events in Iran’s history. It has shaped how people think and has acted as an essential news source for many generations of readers. Ettela’at has evolved from a small local paper to become a major force in Iranian journalism. It has changed with the times but has always stayed true to its goal of delivering high-quality news.
Over its long history, Ettela’at newspaper has influenced Iranian society and politics often mirroring the intricate workings of the country’s changing media scene. From its early days as a forward-thinking voice during the Pahlavi era to its part in the post-revolutionary time, the newspaper has faced hurdles and chances that have molded its editorial path.
This article will dive into Ettela’at’s history, look at how its editorial stance has changed, explore its tech upgrades, and weigh its lasting mark on Iranian culture and public talks.
Historical Background
Founding in 1926
Ettela’at newspaper, the world’s longest-running Persian , started on July 10, 1926, in Tehran. The newspaper’s birth linked to Markaz-e Ettela’at-e Iran, the first Persian news agency, which a group of young Iranian journalists founded in August 1923. Abbas Massoudi, who managed the agency, had a key role in Ettela’at’s creation. Though too young to publish a newspaper, Massoudi got the needed license, and Ettela’at came out as a two-page news sheet.
Early years under Reza Shah
The newspaper’s quick climb to fame happened at the same time as Reza Shah Pahlavi’s early rule. In this time, Iran changed a lot as Reza Shah tried to bring power to the center and make the country more modern. The press turned into a key tool to spread the state’s ideas about modernization. Ettela’at soon became the newspaper with the most readers in Iran and grew into the unofficial voice of the government.
During Reza Shah’s rule, the press had to deal with tight controls. To start a newspaper, publishers needed special permits. Those lucky enough to get them faced close watching and often had their work cut off if they said anything bad about the government. The Press Law of 1931 made it illegal to print stuff seen as not loyal to the country or pushing for areas to break away. Even with these limits, Ettela’at grew and reached more people.
Role during World War II
World War II changed Iran’s political scene and affected Ettela’at’s position. On August 25, 1941 Allied troops entered Iran from the north and south. Ettela’at responded by printing an opinion piece that criticized the invasion backed by the prime minister. This article caused angry responses in American and European press and led British and Soviet ambassadors to complain to the Iranian government.
The invasion led to Reza Shah stepping down, which Ettela’at covered in its September 16, 1941 issue. After Reza Shah left, the press enjoyed more freedom. Yet, people criticized Ettela’at for still backing the Pahlavi regime. Despite these issues, the newspaper grew because of its strong news team and people’s need for its information.
Editorial Evolution
Conservative stance
The Ettela’at newspaper has kept a conservative position throughout its long history. As one of Iran’s oldest and most respected publications, it often mirrors the views of the establishment. The newspaper’s conservative approach shows in its coverage of big events and its ties with different governments.
Coverage of major events
Ettela’at’s reporting on key events in Iranian history often lines up with the official story. During World War II when Allied forces invaded Iran, the newspaper ran an editorial that criticized the invasion with the prime minister’s backing. This editorial caused angry reactions in American and European media showing Ettela’at’s role as a semi-official newspaper.
The newspaper has taken a careful approach when covering major events. When Mohammad Mosaddeq was in power, Ettela’at tried to stay neutral steering clear of political disputes. This tactic helped the newspaper to handle Iran’s tricky political scene while keeping its spot as a top publication.
Relationship with governments
Ettela’at’s ties to different Iranian governments have been tricky and often linked. After Mosaddeq’s government fell, the newspaper took a very traditional stand siding with the interests of the governments that followed. This move turned Ettela’at into a sort of official newspaper showing the views of whoever was in charge.
The newspaper’s tight connection to the government grew stronger when its founder and publisher Abbas Massoudi held the position of Senate vice-president for almost eleven years. This role gave Ettela’at special access to the authorities often resulting in exclusive information and some sway in molding public views.
Yet, Ettela’at’s traditional outlook and perceived government alignment have come with drawbacks. The newspaper has drawn flak from anti-government groups, which has sometimes hurt its place in society. This criticism has now and then led to a drop in Ettela’at’s clout when compared to its rival paper Kayhan.
Despite these hurdles, Ettela’at continues to have an impact on Iranian journalism. Its conservative stance and ties to successive governments have helped it keep its spot as one of Iran’s top newspapers. The paper’s skill in adjusting to shifting political scenes while sticking to its core beliefs has been key to its long life and ongoing importance in Iranian society.
Technical Progress
Over the years, Ettela’at newspaper has adopted new technologies to boost its production and delivery methods. These new tools have been vital in helping the newspaper stay a leading publication in Iran.
Upgrades in printing technology
Ettela’at has kept improving its printing technology to boost the quality and productivity of its output. In its early days, the newspaper switched from lithograph to type, which made it easier to read and put it on par with the top newspapers in Istanbul and Europe. This shift didn’t just make the paper more readable; it also helped Ettela’at show a better image of the country.
As the newspaper grew, it put money into better printing machines. In 1932, Ettela’at bought its own small press, which let it print up to six pages. A big step forward happened in 1935 when the Ettela’at printing press became a company and brought in Persia’s first rotative printer. This new machine allowed the newspaper to grow to eight pages with five columns each sized 48×55 cm.
Expansion of distribution network
Ettela’at has worked non-stop to grow its distribution network making sure it reaches more people across Iran. The newspaper’s push to set up agencies all over the country showed results during World War II’s final years when it turned into the must-read paper in every corner of Persia. This growth had a big impact on cementing Ettela’at’s status as a national newspaper.
The newspaper’s distribution plan has changed over time to keep up with reader needs and new tech. In recent years, Ettela’at has struggled to keep up with the fast network growth needed to serve new customers, as Iran’s load growth rate is about 6%. To fix this, the newspaper worked with distribution companies to improve its network planning looking at things like load patterns and how fast the load grows.
Introduction of color printing
A key turning point in Ettela’at’s tech progress happened in June-July 1969 right when the foundation turned 44. The paper started using its four-color rotative printer, which had a big impact on how it looked. This new tech let Ettela’at give its readers more eye-catching content making the whole reading experience better.
Two months after it began color printing, Ettela’at grew its size to 24 nine-column pages, each 42 x 59 centimeters. Getting bigger and being able to print in color put the paper in a stronger spot to take on other publications and pull in more readers.
These tech upgrades have been key to Ettela’at’s push to stay relevant and attractive in Iran’s always-changing media scene. By always improving its printing tech growing its distribution network, and bringing in color printing, Ettela’at has shown it’s serious about giving its readers across the country top-notch news content.
Impact on Iranian Society
Influence on public opinion
Ettela’at newspaper has had an influence on shaping public opinion in Iran throughout its long history. As one of the oldest and most respected publications in the country, it has an impact on how Iranians see both domestic and international events. The newspaper’s conservative stance and its close ties with successive governments have allowed it to mirror the views of the establishment often matching the official narrative on major events.
At key points in Iran’s past, Ettela’at’s reporting has had an influence on shaping how the public sees things. Take World War II when Allied troops entered Iran. The newspaper put out an opinion piece speaking out against the invasion backed by the prime minister. This piece led to angry responses in American and European press showing how Ettela’at serves as a kind of unofficial mouthpiece in Iranian society.
Role in political discourse
Ettela’at plays a crucial role in Iranian political talk often acting as a way for the government to share its policies and views with the public. The paper’s conservative stance has turned it into a semi-official outlet showing the ideas of the ruling government. This position helps Ettela’at keep a special link with those in power often leading to access to inside info and some sway in shaping what people think.
The newspaper played a key role in political discussions during the Islamic Revolution of 1979. As the political scene changed , Ettela’at shifted its editorial position to match the new government. On January 31, 1979, Ettela’at and its competitor Kayhan shared news of Ayatollah Khomeini’s return from Paris. Their headline read, “Tomorrow morning at 9 visiting Imam in Tehran.” This news caused millions of people to travel from various cities to Tehran showing how the newspaper could sway the public.
Cultural contributions
Apart from its sway in politics, Ettela’at has an impact on Iranian culture too. As one of the longest-running Persian daily papers worldwide, it’s seen and recorded Iran’s cultural shifts for almost 100 years. The paper gives space to think , write , and talk about culture. This helps to keep Persian language and writing alive and growing.
Ettela’at has an influence on Iranian culture through its efforts to boost literacy and create a reading habit. The newspaper plays a key role in “opening the eyes and ears of the people” to make them conscious of the broader world and their era. This proves crucial in a society where people often face limits or controls on information access.
To wrap up, Ettela’at newspaper has had a strong influence on Iranian society. It has an impact on public opinion, shapes political talk, and helps cultural growth. Its long life and ongoing importance, despite changing political scenes and new technology, show how crucial it is in Iranian media and society. As Iran keeps dealing with tricky issues at home and abroad, Ettela’at stays a key voice in the country’s ongoing social and political discussions.
Conclusion
Ettela’at newspaper has stood strong over time growing from a small local paper to a big name in Iranian journalism. Its journey through almost 100 years of Iran’s rocky history has changed the country’s media scene and public talks. The paper’s skill in adjusting to shifting political moods while sticking to its conservative views has helped it last so long and stay important in Iranian society.
As we look to the future, Ettela’at faces ups and downs in the fast-changing world of media. Digital platforms are changing how people get their news so the newspaper needs to find fresh ways to reach readers while staying true to its roots. Even with these hurdles, Ettela’at’s long history and solid reputation put it in a good spot to keep shaping Iranian journalism and public opinion for years ahead.
