A Trend Study on the Role and Functions of Radio in Iran and North America

This paper aims at offering a longitudinal study of the functions of the radio in Iran and North America. I launched a comparative study on radio functions in Iran and Canada in 2001. Some of the results indicated that radio in North American had kept its traditional functions while emphasizing its entertaining role. In Iran however, radio focused more on ethical and training issues. Here in 2015-2016, the paper will focus on two following issues for the purpose of a longitudinal data analysis: 1- Alternative media has reduced the social role of radio; 2- comparative functions of radio in North America and in Iran continue to change. The paper will provide an understanding about the traditional role of radio and its changes since 2001. The paper uses the theory of functional media to answer its questions. Doing such a study on genetic changes of radio functions enables us to unveil how functions of the radio have changed. The results can be used for policy issues and whether radio should still be operational and if so what the new roles for radio should be to meet the moral values of Iranian society while attracting Iranian audience.