Shariatmadari issued a statement on the occasion of National Journalists’ Day (August 7), which is named in honor of a martyred member of the Iranian press, noting that the profession is inherently intertwined with risk-taking and sacrifice for the nation.
He emphasized that no institution has as much influence as the media in shaping the character and identity of society, describing journalists as producers of the life-giving commodity of “awareness.” All the essential elements of a culture of development—from work ethics and responsibility to participation and national cohesion—are built through the artistry and efforts of media professionals, he added.
Rejecting a ceremonial or decorative approach to Journalists’ Day, Shariatmadari highlighted the rightful demand of the media community: to replace prejudice and distrust among certain power brokers with empathy and unity. “Perhaps the most deserving gift to the noble media family on this day is the ‘message of change’ in the way the powerful view the media community,” he said, stressing the need to restore the credibility of the media in the face of psychological warfare from hostile actors.
He underscored that societal vitality and progress depend on inquisitive media and critical journalists, urging all to take humble steps toward correcting past neglect of the media’s role. Iran, with its rich civilizational heritage, should not fall behind in the regional media landscape, he said.
Shariatmadari warned that any decline in Iranian media would threaten national security and sovereignty, potentially shifting the locus of media authority abroad. “If the light of any media outlet is extinguished, a new darkroom of corruption, favoritism, and extortion will rise,” he cautioned.
Concluding his message, the PGPIC chief, on behalf of the country’s petrochemical industry, praised the dedication of journalists in keeping the torch of awareness burning and expressed.
hope for a new era in which media professionals could focus their talents on building a proud and prosperous Iran, free from economic and social instability.