An Approach to the Media Function of the Press on the Eve of the Revolution: A Study of Iran's Political and Social Developments in the Newspaper Ayandegan (Second to fourteenth February 1978)

The Islamic Revolution of Iran isa turning point in the socio-political history of the country.In addition to changing the political structure of Iran,this event also had a profound impact on the country's foreign relations and the positions of other countries.Inthe meantime,the press,especially newspapers,played an effective role in reflecting the political atmosphere and guiding public opinion.The present study aims to analyze the issues of Ayandegan newspaper in Bahman1357 and,using a descriptive-analytical method,examines the situation in Iran from the time ofthe Shah's departure to the arrival of Imam Khomeini in Iran.This study aims to analyze the functions and media role of Ayandegan newspaper as one of the leading newspapers in the final two weeks leading up to the victory of the Islamic Revolution of Iran(2nd to14th Bahman1357).
The research findings show that Ayandegan newspaper,by taking advantage of the relative freedom of the press,by reporting on internal developments,Imam Khomeini’s positions and his speeches,was one of the factors accelerating the process of the Pahlavi regime’s downfall and played an effective role in directing people’s thoughts towards revolutionary trends.
As is also stated inthe documents,this newspaper,due to the special support of the Shah,SAVAK and government officials,was in clear opposition to the narratives of government newspapers such as Etelaat and Kayhan and gradually became a determining factor in the delegitimization of the ruling regime.Ayandegan newspaper played the role ofa media accelerator in the process of the Pahlavi regime’s downfall by dedicating space to reports related to statements and speeches of Imam Khomeini(RA)and uncensored coverage of protests.