Radio Farda
In one of the world’s most repressive media environments, Radio Farda stands as a beacon of independent journalism, defying government censorship to deliver trusted news to audiences in Iran.
Website page views
(2024)
Facebook video views
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Instagram video views
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YouTube video views
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About the Service
Radio Farda was originally launched as a joint project in 2002 with Voice of America, with management being consolidated under RFE/RL in 2008. RFE/RL’s Persian Service, Radio Azadi (1998-2002), preceded the creation of Radio Farda.
Reaching 6.5 million Iranians inside the country each week – 10% of the adult population – Radio Farda is a trusted source for an audience hungry for unbiased reporting.
Audiences sought out Radio Farda’s independent reporting on the Israel-Iran conflict in record numbers, with the Service recording over 62.5 million video views on Instagram between June 13 – June 15, 2025.
The Service produces impactful data-driven investigative reports. Journalists exposed high-level corruption within the Islamic Revolutionary Guards (IRGC) and uncovered state disinformation and intimidation campaigns during protests.
During the 2022 protests against mandatory hijab enforcement, Radio Farda published exclusive interviews with family members of victims like Mahsa Amini, Nika Shakarami, and Hadis Najafi, giving a platform to those silenced by the regime.
Reaching Audiences
Media Climate
Reporters Without Borders’ World Press Freedom Index ranks Iran 176th out of 180 countries.
Former Radio Farda journalist and dual U.S.-Iranian citizen Reza Valizadeh is currently wrongfully imprisoned in Iran.
Radio Farda and RFE/RL’s former president were sanctioned by the government of Iran.
Awards
Online Journalism Awards
In 2024, the acclaimed, interactive “‘Naked’ And Defiant: Diary Of An Iranian Protester” was a finalist in the Online Journalism Awards large newsroom category for topical reporting on race, ethnicity, gender, and identity.
New York Festivals TV & Film Awards
In 2024, the Service’s podcast Vida – which focuses on the trauma of the forced hijab – won Bronze in the NYF TV and Film awards podcast category.
In 2025, the Gordafarid podcast from Nasrin Afshar of Radio Farda won Gold in the NYF TV and Film awards podcast category. The podcast highlights the stories of Iranian female athletes that often go unheard.
Latest Updates
RFE/RL Sanctioned by Government of Iran, Denounces Designation as Supporter of International Terrorism
Today, the government of Iran added RFE/RL’s Persian-language service, known locally as Radio Farda, to a list of individuals and organizations sanctioned for supporting international terrorism or inciting violence.
Threats To RFE/RL Journalists Multiply As World Marks Press Freedom Day
Media freedom is under severe pressure throughout RFE/RL’s 23-country coverage region.
Radio Farda Interview With Israeli Defense Minister Sets Precedent
Earlier this month, Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty’s (RFE/RL) Mehrdad Mirdamadi, a reporter with Radio Farda, RFE/RL’s Persian language service, sat down with Israeli Defense Minister Avigdor Lieberman in Tel Aviv for…
Service Director
Kambiz Fattahi
Kambiz Fattahi serves as the Director of RFE/RL’s Persian-language Service (Radio Farda). He joined RFE/RL in May 2022. Prior to this role, Kambiz worked at the BBC, where he led the Persian Service’s work in the United States. With more than 16 years of field reporting experience, Kambiz has extensively covered stories for television, radio, and online platforms in Washington and Jerusalem.
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