Iranian state TV

Profile narrative

Iranian state TV, also referred to as Badr satellite, is the national television broadcaster of the Islamic Republic of Iran. It is operated by the Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting (IRIB), the state entity responsible for domestic and international radio and television services. The broadcaster’s headquarters are located in Iran, with its main facilities situated in Tehran. IRIB produces a wide array of programming that includes news bulletins, current affairs analysis, cultural documentaries, religious content, educational shows, and entertainment series. News coverage focuses on domestic events, government announcements, regional developments, and international affairs from an Iranian perspective. Cultural programming highlights Iranian history, literature, art, music, and traditional customs, aiming to reinforce national identity. Religious content consists of Quranic recitations, sermons, and discussions on Islamic jurisprudence, reflecting the country’s official religious framework. Educational programming offers lectures, language lessons, and science segments designed for various age groups. Entertainment offerings comprise drama serials, comedy shows, game shows, and variety programs that attract broad viewership. The signal is distributed via satellite transmission, enabling reception across Iran and in neighboring regions, as well as by diaspora communities abroad.

The Badr satellite designation refers to the specific orbital platform used to uplink the television signal, giving the broadcaster a dedicated space‑based transmission channel. This satellite capability distinguishes Iranian state TV from purely terrestrial broadcasters and extends its potential reach beyond national borders. The organisation operates under the direct authority of the Iranian government, with IRIB reporting to the Office of the Supreme Leader, ensuring alignment with state policy. As a state‑run entity, Iranian state TV does not have private shareholders, external parent companies, or publicly traded shares. Its organisational structure consists of directorates for news, sports, culture, education, and technical operations, all centrally managed. The technical directorate oversees satellite uplink facilities, transmission equipment, and signal encryption measures. On 18 January 2026, anti‑regime activists exploited a vulnerability in the Badr satellite uplink, gaining unauthorized access to the broadcast stream. The hijacking allowed the activists to replace the regular programming with a ten‑minute video featuring exiled Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi. The video showed the prince urging Iranians to protest against the Islamic Republic, accompanied by footage of global solidarity protests and statements of support from international leaders. Additional content in the hijacked broadcast included explicit calls for the country’s military and security forces to join the demonstrators. After the incident, the video was disseminated further by the prince’s media office, amplifying its reach beyond the original satellite transmission. The event highlighted both the extensive footprint of the Badr satellite link and the susceptibility of state media infrastructure to cyber‑enabled information operations.

Incidents

1 incident linked to this organisation.