Reactive Censorship & Narrative Convergence: Reporting Iranian Foreign Policy in Telegram Media Outlets, 2023-2025
Publisher
The University of Arizona.Rights
Copyright © is held by the author. Digital access to this material is made possible by the University Libraries, University of Arizona. Further transmission, reproduction, presentation (such as public display or performance) of protected items is prohibited except with permission of the author.Embargo
Release after 04/28/2035Abstract
This thesis examines how the Islamic Republic of Iran deployed selective, reactive censorship to shape its domestic media narratives during key events between October 7, 2023, and March 2025. Through frame and qualitative analysis of four Telegram channels belonging to major Iranian media outlets (Tasnim News, News Javan, Etemad Online, and Shargh), this study shows that during moments of acute geopolitical vulnerability, reactive censorship was not uniformly applied across all outlets. Instead, it created a narrative convergence around IRGC-affiliated media outlets, with reactive censorship only affecting the "Reformist" outlets.Type
textElectronic Thesis
Degree Name
M.A.Degree Level
mastersDegree Program
Graduate CollegeMiddle Eastern & North African Studies