The recent inclusion of Iran’s Mehr Media Group in TV BRICS, a media network consisting of BRICS member states (Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa), holds great significance in relation to BRICS’ global ambitions and the growing relevance of alternative media.
Iran’s recent invitation to join BRICS enhances the platform’s portrayal of the Global South and diversifies its perspectives. This integration allows Iran to directly share its “humanitarian and economic agenda” within the BRICS information space, offering alternative viewpoints to the often dominant Western narratives.
Mehr Media Group includes Mehr News Agency and The Tehran Times, a highly regarded international newspaper in the Republic. The group’s access to specialized information and expertise contributes valuable content to the network, promoting cross-cultural understanding and enhancing the audience’s perception of Iran’s “culture, traditions, and way of life.”
Members of Mehr Media Group finalized the agreement during the 24th Iran Media Exhibition, which was attended by around 600 media outlets, creative groups, and companies. Signing the agreement were Mohammad Mahdi Rahmati, CEO of Mehr Media Group, and Janna Tolstikova, CEO of TV BRICS.
“TV BRICS International Media Network is devoted to the mission we declare: to develop a mutual information space among the BRICS countries. Mehr Media Group is undoubtedly one of the most influential media outlets in Iran. TV BRICS is an information hub that aims to effectively disseminate the news agenda of each member state of the organization,” said Tolstikova. “The launch of the partnership with the Iranian media company will contribute to the integration of the news flow from Iran into the structure of international information exchange. The materials of Mehr Media Group journalists will enrich the BRICS information landscape and allow the network audience to better understand Iran’s culture, traditions, and way of life. Undoubtedly, the new agreement between Mehr Group and TV BRICS will lead to the successful achievement of common goals.”
The CEO of Mehr Media Group expressed interest in partnering with this fast-growing media outlet, leveraging the strengths of BRICS member countries for potential joint media initiatives in various sectors including economy, technology, sports, culture, and tourism.
“As the Mehr Media Group, we aspire to become a significant part of the media landscape of TV BRICS, encompassing both the production and distribution geography of media products,” said Mahdi Rahmati.
Mahdi Rahmati mentioned that Mehr News operates five regional centers across the country, along with additional offices in Europe, South America, Asia, Persian Gulf coastal states, and CIS countries. The agency produces audiovisual content in six languages: Persian, English, Arabic, Turkish, Urdu, and Kurdish. With 300 reporters and photographers stationed across 30 provinces in the country, Mehr News offers extensive news coverage in Iran.
In 1979, The Tehran Times, Iran’s initial English-language daily newspaper, commenced operations. Today, the publication reaches readers in 80 countries. The newspaper emphasizes political, social, and community topics. It also provides coverage of international news.
TV BRICS is a rising alternative media platform that questions the influence of Western media organizations. This partnership enables Iran to circumvent conventional avenues and share its news and agenda directly, potentially addressing biased or incomplete representations.
This collaboration arises during increasing tensions between Iran and the West. Being part of TV BRICS enables Iran to enhance its global presence, influence international conversations, and promote its interests independently.
Mehr News and The Tehran Times have a broad reach, guaranteeing widespread distribution of their content within the BRICS information space.
This partnership is in line with agreements made with media outlets from other recently added BRICS members, such as Egypt, showcasing the network’s growth beyond its original members. This partnership’s success may lead to increased collaboration among BRICS members and contribute to a more varied and impactful global media environment.
Iran’s participation in TV BRICS showcases the network’s ability to disrupt prevailing narratives and provide diverse viewpoints in the global media arena. This development is in line with BRICS’ overarching objectives of promoting South-South collaboration and supporting a more multipolar global order.
