In an era where information is power, it is no surprise that state-controlled media outlets often manipulate stories to fit their narratives.
A recent incident involving my feature on Nima Bookstore, the oldest Persian bookstore in Metro Vancouver, provides a clear example of how the Islamic Republic’s propaganda machine appropriates and reshapes stories to serve its agenda.
I am a bilingual freelance journalist and communication expert in Farsi and English, with more than 10 years of experience in storytelling and strategic communication across various formats. As a regular contributor to outlets like New Canadian Media and North Shore News, I specialize in stories that highlight cross-cultural experiences and immigrant voices. I also had two successful placements supported by New Canadian Media with the North Shore News. A current member of the Canadian Association of Journalists and the International Federation of Journalists, I use my bilingual abilities to bridge cultural gaps in journalism and connect with diverse audiences.
I originally wrote the piece in question for the North Shore News to highlight the unique cultural value of North Vancouver’s Nima Bookstore, a cultural hub and gathering place for those seeking to preserve their heritage while being oceans away from their homeland.
However, when IRNA (the Islamic Republic News Agency, a state-controlled media organization) translated and republished my story, they plagiarized it without acknowledging the source, used the photo without proper copyright, and actively censored significant portions of the original article. This censorship particularly affected sensitive topics such as the Woman, Life, Freedom movement, the Pahlavi era, and the broader political context that many Iranians in the diaspora find important.
This manipulation is not an isolated incident; it reflects a troubling trend where state-controlled media distort narratives to align with their propaganda goals. By leaving out parts of the story, they create a version that fits their own ideology and aligns with the values of the Islamic Revolution. This isn’t just a copyright issue; it’s a clear example of how propaganda machines work openly.
The appropriation of my story by IRNA highlights why independent media is so critical. Without such platforms, narratives shaped by state-controlled outlets would dominate, leaving little room for transparency. Remember when the community organized several rallies against the regime on the North Shore, carrying numerous photos of protesters who were killed by the regime? There is no official count of the number of people killed in the 2022-23 protests by the regime. In an age where state narratives ignore protests in Iran, independent media play a crucial role, even to the point of saving lives.
By continuing to amplify the stories of individuals like Nima – people who have been excluded from state media due to their opinions or experiences – community-driven outlets like the North Shore News strive to amplify the stories of those who might otherwise remain unheard.
The attempt to rewrite and repurpose stories to fit a particular narrative is a disservice to the very essence of journalism. The role of independent media becomes ever more vital in ensuring that the true stories of our communities are heard, honoured, and never distorted to fit someone else’s agenda.
Hamid Jafari is a Vancouver-based freelance journalist who writes about the Iranian community in Canada, art, culture, and social media trends. He has done two placements with the North Shore News that were supported by New Canadian Media. [email protected]
