News Coverage of Crisis by Iranian State TV (IRIB) Case Study: Plasco Crisis Reported by News Channel

This case study, carried out by content analysis method, is aimed at finding answers to the question of ”the way Iranian State TV Channels cover crisis news?“ The statistical population of this study is the main news programs of Iranian News TV Channel covering the fire of Plasco Building from the beginning of the fire for a period of 9 days which was based on total counting method of each news story as the observed and analysis units. Based on the findings of the this research work, the News Channel in its coverage of the Plasco Crisis has demonstrated some strong points such as giving prominence, paying local and national attention to the event, providing unambiguous news stories, refraining from providing adequate news in format of news package, paying due attention to news elements such as ”why“ and ”How“, providing more hard news in comparison to soft news and some weak points including lack of impartiality, taking a positive outlook towards the event, lack of getting appropriate answers about the incident from concerned officials and relieving them from their responsibility.  It is suggested that Iranian State Radio and TV (IRIB) to take into account the cultural outlook and interpretation by the public opinion towards the crisis as an opportunity and adapting hyper active approach in this respect. In addition, to pay more attention to the definition of crisis ” as any disorder and lack of efficiency in analysis in the process of changing the current condition to desired situation. When face with earliest warnings and signs of disorder to concentrate on paying attention, prediction and prevention, based on the comprehensive crisis management pattern and try to be in constant contact with ministries and the relevant authorities and to make them answerable during the crisis and afterwards in its news coverage