STATE OF MEDIA IN IRAN DURING THE SECOND PAHLAVI ERA AND THE IMPACTS OF THE FLAMES OF PERSIA DOCUMENTARY

Abstract

This paper examines the evolution and function of mass media in Iran during the Second Pahlavi era (1941–1979), arguing that state-led communication efforts failed to establish a coherent and meaningful relationship between the monarchy and Iranian society. Through an in-depth analysis of radio and television broadcasting, censorship practices, and the ideological objectives of the White Revolution, the study demonstrates how media became a central yet ultimately ineffective instrument of state propaganda. The Shah’s modernization agenda, characterized by aggressive Westernization, selective historical narratives, and internalized Orientalist perspectives, exacerbated socio-cultural divides, alienated large segments of the population, and limited the inclusivity of the media. A detailed reading of the documentary Flames of Persia illustrates these contradictions and highlights the regime’s persistent struggle for legitimacy in both domestic and international spheres. The findings suggest that the disconnect between media-produced imagery and everyday social realities significantly contributed to the legitimacy crisis that culminated in the 1979 revolution. This study also emphasizes the role of external influences, including foreign propaganda and political interventions, in shaping Iranian media policies. It argues that despite the state’s extensive efforts to control broadcasting and public messaging, a coherent national narrative failed to materialize. By exploring the interplay between state propaganda, media control, and public perception, the paper sheds light on the complex dynamics that prevented the Second Pahlavi era from achieving its objectives. The analysis demonstrates that mass media not only reflected the political and ideological priorities of the regime but also inadvertently revealed its vulnerabilities, contributing to the eventual downfall of the Shah. Ultimately, this study underscores the critical importance of understanding media as both a tool of governance and a mirror of societal responses during periods of political transformation.