Journal of Culture-Communication Studies

Journal of Culture-Communication Studies

The Audiovisual Media Services Regulatory Governance Model of Iran

Document Type : Research Paper

Authors
mohammad gapleh 1
Hassan Khojasteh Bagherzadeh 2
Mohammadreza Rasouli 3
1 PhD student in Media Management, Department of Communication, Journalism and Media, Faculty of Social Sciences, Communication and Media, Central Tehran Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
2 Full Professor, Department of Radio, Radio and Television Production Faculty, IRIB University, Tehran, Iran. (Corresponding author)
3 Assistant Professor, Department Culture and Media, Faculty of Social Sciences, Communication and Media, Central Tehran Branch, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran.
10.22083/jccs.2024.476947.3935
Abstract
Objective: This study aims to propose a regulatory framework for the governance of audiovisual media in Iran. 
Method: The philosophical underpinning of this study is interpretivism, with an inductive research approach. From a methodological perspective, the study falls under the category of qualitative research. The research strategy adopted is the grounded theory method, conducted during the period of 2022-2024 (1401-1403 in the Iranian calendar). Data collection methods include semi-structured interviews and a review of higher-level documents concerning the regulation of online audiovisual media services governance in Iran. Participants in this research encompass three key groups: media industry (market) managers, media experts and specialists, and media regulatory managers. For simultaneous data analysis, the study employed the three-stage coding process of open, axial, and selective coding. In the open coding stage, the transcribed interviews were coded line by line, with the aim of conceptualizing and representing the data. During axial coding, categories were formed, and relationships among them were represented based on continuous and iterative comparisons between codes, categories, interview transcripts, and memos. These categories were organized into a paradigmatic model (Figure 3) to systematically analyze the data and reflect on the relationships among categories. In the final stage, selective coding, a storyline was developed, and the final connections between the central phenomenon and other main categories were established. It is important to note that constant comparative analysis, theoretical sampling, theoretical sensitivity, and memo-writing were adhered to throughout all stages of the research process. 
Results: The findings revealed that the causal conditions include objectives (meeting the interests of social, governmental, and media industry stakeholders) and factors necessitating regulation (changes in the media landscape, shifts in governance roles, changes in media stakeholders, safeguarding users’ rights, the intermediary role of regulatory institutions, and governance’s need for regulation). The contextual conditions were identified as core values, media values, regulatory values, Islamic values, prevailing norms legitimizing governance, co-regulation, self-regulation, and, ultimately, the preferred model of multifaceted regulation. Intervening conditions include the types of regulatory bodies, the scope of regulation, and the challenges and obstacles faced by regulatory institutions. The central phenomenon-designing a media regulatory system-comprises mechanisms for behavior modification, organizational form (e.g., independence, horizontal and vertical configurations of media regulatory institutions), and the main indices of media regulation.
The conditions of actions and reactions include the primary functions and responsibilities of regulation and the establishment of a regulatory system. The outcomes include the application of a regulatory framework, performance evaluation of regulatory institutions, monitoring and adjustments, and the realization of convergent regulation (implementing agreements, overcoming regulatory divergence, shifting towards a persuasive approach, integrating solutions for media issues, fostering media ecosystems, and enforcing regulatory measures). The ultimate consequence is the achievement of public and private benefits.
Conclusions: Media regulation gains significance when the media market is identified and effective policies are implemented within it. The role of regulatory institutions in this context is to manage the relationships among stakeholders, including the government, society, and the media industry, to ensure the realization of public and private benefits. These institutions must maintain close relationships and collaboration with governmental bodies, media owners, and the consuming public.The primary goal of media regulation is to achieve public and private benefits based on values such as independence, freedom of exp ression, and professional ethics. These objectives must be pursued within the framework of laws and social norms, with transparency. The research indicates that a hybrid regulatory model (governmental, participatory, and self-regulatory) is the most suitable approach for the media landscape in Iran. This model includes all stakeholders, reduces conflicts of interest, and enhances the transparency and legitimacy of regulatory institutions. To design a media regulatory framework, multiple tools and mechanisms for behavior modification-such as legal, supervisory, economic, and educational instruments-must be employed. The regulatory institution must incorporate independence, accountability, transparency, and interaction within its vertical and horizontal structures. Members of the institution should possess sufficient expertise and experience related to the media industry.The core functions of the regulatory institution include rule-making, licensing, monitoring and oversight, dispute resolution, and ensuring user rights. To succeed, the institution must have a solid legal foundation and robust governance structure, alongside regular performance monitoring and evaluation. Ultimately, media regulation should strive for unity amid diversity, employing integrated approaches to address challenges and issues. This paradigm shift is pivotal in improving media governance and realizing public and private benefits in Iran.
Keywords
Media regulation
Design of Regulatory System
Media Governance
Audiovisual Media
Media policy
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