Radio Farda

Radio Farda is a trusted source of information and a symbol of free expression for Iranians. Created in 2002 as a joint project with Voice of America, management of Radio Farda was consolidated under RFE/RL in 2008. RFE/RL’s Persian Service, Radio Azadi (1998-2002), preceded the creation of Radio Farda.  

Overcoming challenges and risks, Radio Farda provides unbiased reports, analysis, and cultural content across platforms, offering a lifeline of reliable information in a landscape dominated by state-controlled media. 

Since 2022, Radio Farda launched over a dozen new podcasts covering a range of topics, including ZPod, produced anonymously inside Iran by and for Gen Z Iranians, Vida which sheds light on the trauma endured by Iranian women because of the forced hijab, and Gord Afrid which tells the stories of Iranian female athletes. 

Radio Farda published exclusive interviews with family members of young victims killed in the 2022 nationwide protests against mandatory hijab enforcement – Mahsa Amini, Nika Shakarami, and Hadis Najafi.   

Radio Farda’s reporting refuted state disinformation about the cause of death of protesters in 2022 and uncovered intimidation campaigns by security agents. 

Journalists continue exposing state corruption and mismanagement through high-impact investigative and data-driven reports.  

Radio Farda reported on the Iranian government’s little-known “Amin Plan,” a major initiative aimed at significantly expanding and institutionalizing the presence of clerics in schools.  

Journalists exclusively revealed an audio file of an Islamic Revolutionary Guard (IRGC) top commander’s meeting that was picked up by other media.