The Constitution provides for freedom of the press as long as published material accords with Islamic principles. The publisher of every newspaper and periodical is required by law to have a valid publishing license. Any publication perceived as being anti-Islamic is not granted a publication license. In practice, the criteria for being anti-Islamic have been broadly interpreted to encompass all materials that include an antigovernment sentiment. All the papers and magazines in circulation supported the basic political institutions of the Islamic Republic.
The major daily newspapers of the country are printed in Tehran. While all newspapers are considered to be appropriately Islamic, they do not endorse every program of the central government.
All radio and television broadcasting is under direct supervision of Supreme Leader. He appoints the director of Seda va Sima of Islamic Republic of Iran, or Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting. Television and radio stations exist in Tehran and the major provincial cities. Stations in Azerbaijan, Kurdistan and Baluchistan are permitted to broadcast some programs in Azeri, Kurdish and Baluchi.
See also
Sport in Iran
Biographies of Iranian Sportmen, Articles, Links to Sport News Sites and Iranian Clubs.