Role of TV in Developing, Strengthening Public Sphere in IRI from the Viewpoint of Communication Experts, Media Managers

More than three decades have passed since the culmination of the Islamic Revolution of Iran (1979). Public opinion and public sphere have undergone changes as one of the main assets of each society. Certain institutions, including the media and especially television - as the most expensive and fundamental cultural institution of the country - have been influential in bringing about such changes. With regard to the importance and effect of the media in this era, the main theme of this research is “studying the role of the media, especially television, in creating an environment of discourse and dialogue in the Islamic Republic of Iran.” The main question is whether television has influenced the environment of discourse and dialogue in Iran? If so, whether this influence has been towards strengthening or affecting? Theoretical basis of the study is of the public sphere of Jürgen Habermas. The research methodology is analytical-descriptive and descriptive-survey. Library and documentation, interview, and Delphi techniques have been used to collect data and research cards and questionnaires as instruments for gathering information. The results show that television has a strengthening influence on public sphere in Iran. But TV networks have failed to properly reflect the major issues affecting the society and conduct a logical dialogue and raise general issues freely, analytically and critically away from any orientation.