Direct broadcasting satellite (DBS) policy in the Islamic Republic of Iran : popular, religious and state discourse

The new communication technology and its implications on national and international relations has been one of the key debates during the last two decades. This received a new impetus with the emergence of Direct Broadcasting Satellite (DBS) together with the convergence of electronic information processing, data bank and telecommunication networks in a single system known as telematic. The DBS system has received increasing attention since it offers a wide range of choice to people. However, in many countries it is also suspected of ravaging culture and sovereignty, while undermining national broadcasting. This sentiment is not shared by all societies and governments, since some believe it has also enhanced freedom and democracy.;The penetration of DBS in Iran began since 1993, when people in the capital and other major cities began to receive images transmitted by dozens of foreign broadcasters. Within a short period of time, satellite became one of the most focal points of interest of the Iranian people and continued alongside the installation of satellite dishes. In April 1994, the state fired the first volley as a warning to the viewers and demonstrated that the period of tolerance was over. This reaction deeply involved government, Majles (Parliament), press and people in an intensive course of satellite discourse followed by fuqaha (pl. Faqih - jurisconsultant in Islamic law) intervention. Here, each group of participants branched out and took different stances; some appeared in favour, while others stood against foreign satellites. Accordingly, the Islamic Republic of Iran passed a bill which prohibited the reception of satellite signals. However, at the same time it put forward a project for developing national radio and television.;In this study, the introduction, penetration and the impact of DBS on the Iranian media sphere, particularly on the broadcasting system, within the context of globalisation, will be discussed. It will also focus on the responses of the Islamic Republic to DBS, by looking at their perspectives and the measures they have taken since the popularisation of DBS in Iran from 1993 until 1997.