Censorship and Digital Apartheid
As anti-establishment protests fueled by economic hardship, repression and the demand for democracy and human rights intensifies, the Iranian state relies on a full black-out of the internet and telephone services in order to impose censorship, prevent the free flow of information, contain dissent and hide its brutality.
This follows a trend of increased online censorship and discriminatory policies by the Iranian government. A form of “digital apartheid” has been engineered through a tiered system in which reliable, affordable and open access to the Internet is reserved only for elites close to the regime. Coupled with the rollout of the National Information Network, a national “intranet”, the government determines who can access what.
In response, Zamaneh Media acted swiftly. Within ten days of the total internet blackout, we secured a shortwave frequency and began broadcasting daily, delivering independent domestic and international news updates and analysis.
Why Shortwave Radio Works
Shortwave radio (SW), also known as the 49-meter band, travels vast distances by bouncing off the ionosphere. Unlike FM or AM, shortwave does not require in-country or nearby transmitters. It is not possible to broadcast to the same area on the same frequency 24 hours a day; but broadcasting for one hour per day works very well. Most importantly: it is one of the hardest media channels for the regime to effectively disrupt.
How People in Iran Can Listen
Anyone in Iran can receive our signal using a simple, inexpensive portable radio with AM/FM/SW, available in any bazaar.
- Every night between 23.00 – 00.00 Iran time
- 6010 kHz SW/49-meter band
- Clean reception in Tehran and throughout Iran
How Will People Find Us?
Reaching audiences during a blackout is challenging and it takes time. We rely on word of mouth, offline networks and trusted community channels. Once connectivity is partially restored, we will rapidly promote the broadcasts inside Iran.
Does Radio Replace Digital Publishing?
No. Our websites and digital platforms, including radiozamaneh.com where we reached 1.5 million visits in 2025, of which 70% inside Iran, remain essential. Radio is an extension, not a replacement, and serves as a crucial layer in a multimedia ecosystem designed to survive censorship, shutdowns and future crises. Given the likelihood of prolonged internet restrictions and escalating repression, building a strong radio presence now ensures that we keep reaching people at times when it matters most.
How Can You Help?
Zamaneh Media is a non-profit foundation registered in The Netherlands since 2005, with a 501(c)(3) fiscal sponsor in the United States. At present, we do not have secured funding for radio broadcasting and are paying costs out of pocket.
Your support goes directly towards keeping independent journalism on the air.
Your impact:
- €150 equips one journalist with a professional microphone for high-quality home recording.
- €500 funds the production of one 30-minute radio program.
- €1800 sets up a full remote recording studio for a journalist in our network.
- €5000 buys us one month of transmitting via shortwave radio into Iran.
Every contribution – large or small – helps break the silence!
