In the Name of God, the Compassionate, the Merciful
IRIB should care for people's role
I have no idea about others, but I personally do not like the situation in radio and television. The fact of the matter is that the extent radio and television is indebted to the barefooted people is not to us. This is a fact and not fomality. The fact is that they were the ones who erected this establishment and launched this revolution. It is this very people who gained these victories. The higher class has no right in this matter. Of course, we have had a hand in the core of the development, yet they are in the right. It is quite a while that when I turn on the radio and television, there is talk of me. I do not like this situation. We should value the people, grant them independence and stand aside and see to the good and bad of the activities. We were not to take all things such as radio and television in our hand, but those poor people who work have nothing in their hands, but we who have no capacity have everything in our hands. This is not correct in my opinion. I have said the things related to me not to be aired. I have nothing to say about the other gentlemen. Of course, in some cases that are necessary to be aired with my discretion, I do not withhold to be screened in television or aired in radio. For example, Fitr Feast (the feast of fast-breaking), Qurban Feast and authorization ceremony for president are issues that can be screened. But the rest such as my today's visit with you and talking to you is not something to be covered by radio and television. Repetition of such events in radio and television tires the people without having any substance. You and I talk. So do others. That is, others talk to me and I cut them. So are the things that now exist in television. For instance, my picture appears in the news logo. Take it. If anyone objected, tell him so and so person has said.
[Mr. Muhammad Hashemi, managing director of IRIB, said: You are in the heart of people. In reply, the Imam said:]
People's hearts are different from these things. This is not the case. Formerly, we had contact with people and I had devotion towards them and people were kind to me. But we did not have radio and television. That is a different story. Anyhow, there is no objection in cases that are necessary. Foregoing this, I do not like. Others have their own opinion.