Reza Khan

The BBC Persian Service 1941-79

by Massoumeh Torfeh (source: CASMII) December 30, 2007

Massoumeh TorfehMassoumeh TorfehThe Persian Service radio, originally launched during the final years of the Second World War, has played a major role in relations between the UK and the Persian-speaking world at crucial political conjunctures.

During the last 66 years of broadcasting to Iran – as funded by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office – the Persian broadcasts were particularly relevant against A: Nazi influence in Iran, B:in the downfall of the powerful Shah of Iran in 1941, C: during the oil crisis of the late 40’s and early 50’s and D: the Islamic Revolution of 1979.
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        Editor's note: This is the text of speech of Massoumeh Torfeh at the International Broadcasting, Public Diplomacy and Cultural Exchange - A conference to evaluate 75 years of BBC overseas broadcasting, which took place in SOAS, London, 18-19 December 2007. Dr Torfeh is a freelance journalist and a research associate at the School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS), University of London.
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