The Satellite Subversives

SomeoneYouDontKnow writes: "The New York Times (free registration reguired, blah blah blah) has a fascinating article about a former Iranian rock star who has launched a pirate TV station broadcasting back into Iran from, of all places, L.A. From reading the article, I can't help but compare Narional Iranian Television to U-62 from the movie "UHF" because of its ultra-low-budget operations and programming, but, like the fictional station, it's wildly popular. OK, I know this is a little off the beaten track for Slashdot articles, but it's nice to see that there's a broadcaster out there more interested in providing a meaningful service than figuring out ways to squeeze more and more money out of viewers."

Comments

WHEEL !!!... OF !!!...FISH !!!!!

[Shortwave]

Awesome show! Not to mention "Raul's Wild Kingdom" and "SECRETS secrets secrets secrets of of of of the Universe"

"Today, we'll be learning to make plutonium....from common household items...."

Re:WHEEL !!!... OF !!!...FISH !!!!!

[Anonymous Coward]

In this case it should be Wheel! Of! Falafel!

Hmmmm

[wiredog]

Since the 1979 revolution turned television into a grim, state-controlled affair -- which most Iranians say they find biased, boring, or both -- those who could afford it have invested in the illegal, but tolerated, satellite dishes, while others have largely tuned out.

In the USA...

Since the 1979 revolution turned television into a grim, corporate-controlled affair -- which most Americans say they find biased, boring, or both -- ... others have largely tuned out.

Think we could get that guy to broadcast to the US?

Re:Slightly OT, but--

[Yorrike]

Do those plans include the release of "Conan the Librarian - The Director's Cut"?

cooking shows and tastefully exposed Persian femal

[mochan_s]

Exerpt from the NY Times article:>

He didn't fill the air with a lot of subversive political talk. He simply continued to beam into the sky movies and music and cooking shows and tastefully exposed Persian female flesh

I hope "cooking shows and tastefully exposed Persian female flesh" isn't one show.

Leaves a bad aftertaste in the mouth after reading that.

You know what's going to happen next?

[AndroidCat]

The Iranian government is going to retaliate by creating their own station to broadcast to the United States! :^)

Dear Editors

[rbeattie]

In light of recent events and world circumstances I find it deeply disturbing that you are promoting civilized thought concerning one of the "Axis of Evil." Do you want the terrorists to win?

As we are in an ongoing war against Evil Regimes like these it is advised that we think of their populations not as unwashed TV-loving hoards such as in America, but only as evil-doers and potential terrorists. Promoting news stories in this manner is unamerican as it will not allow us to kill thousands of innocent civilians (as in Afghanistan) without burdoning the general population with uncomfortable feelings of guilt or shame - feelings which will undoubtedly affect our economy. Do you want the recession to continue?

By publishing news items such as this and allowing "free" discussion, you are only making it much harder for the government to start more wars, the military to recieve more monies and the Republicans to stay in office. I urge you, in the future, to respect this time of national crisis and return to covering your normal subjects such as useless news about technology, science and Anime.

Yours,

Nona Yurbidness
Propaganda Office of the Resident of the United States of America.

P.S. Since you obviously have problems being American, the NSA has been assigned to monitor your internal communications and shopping patterns for more anti-government activities such as these. You have been warned.