The Study of the National Media Role in Preventing and Countering the Rumor Spread in the Society

Rumor is a special assumed proposition (or topic), uninvestigated by the reliable criteria, which is usually transferred person to person orally. Rumor has entered new and important phase due to the growing internet and social networks usage. Nowadays, people encounter the rumors and even help spreading them unintentionally. This outrageous new progress, issues serious challenges to the national media authorities in political, cultural, social, ethical and legal aspects. How should they deal with the rumors in current situation considering the new progresses in communication?
This research studies the rumor formation process using a qualitative analysis and documentary method for data collection. It also investigates rumor in Islamic point of view using keywords such as “ifk”, “murjifun”, “kharrasun”, “aqawil” and “ashrar”.
The results reveal that the factors of “importance” and “ambiguity” are two pillars of the foundation of rumors. The national media should present the important events of the society to people candidly. Being trustworthy, candid and transmitting news expressively can avoid rumors. The vague and numerous red lines, lack of media independence and surrounding pressures, unprofessional officials in the Provinces Providence Council cause passiveness in national media.