Acknowledgements

This manuscript is the product of several decades of reflection on the growth and development of Educational Radio and Television of Iran (ERTI). Throughout my service at the National Iranian Radio and Television (NIRT), and even after the events of 1979, I benefited greatly from numerous formal and informal meetings, conversations, and discussions with two of my direct supervisors who had the most profound influence on the development of ERTI: Mr. Reza Ghotbi, Director General of NIRT, and Dr. Kambiz Mahmoudi, Deputy Director General of NIRT.

Dr. Mahmoudi was not only a supervisor but also a mentor and teacher. He generously participated in several interviews with me during the preparation of this manuscript and provided valuable historical as well as contemporary insights. His perspective is especially significant, as he had been involved in shaping television broadcasting in Iran from its inception. I am also deeply grateful to Mr. Ghotbi, who engaged in many lengthy and thoughtful conversations with me—some lasting several hours. His reflections were enriched by his distinctive outlook as a policymaker directly involved in shaping communication and education at the highest levels of government.

Mr. Ghotbi’s generosity extended beyond his time and conversations. He actively supported my research by locating and sharing relevant materials and guiding me toward important sources. His deliberate logic, introspection, and commitment to educational broadcasting in Iran made him a remarkable leader and an enduring role model, remembered with admiration by all who worked with him.

Over the years, as I gathered information for this manuscript, I also had the privilege of engaging in sustained discussions with Dr. Sohrab Ramtin, Pastor of the Iranian Christian Church of San Diego and Professor at Southern California Seminary. Our frequent conversations helped me recall and document many events that occurred prior to 1979, while his insights proved invaluable in exploring the theological and philosophical dimensions of Iran’s long and complex history. In addition, Dr. Ramtin carefully reviewed both early drafts and the completed manuscript, providing detailed and constructive feedback that significantly strengthened the work.

I am likewise indebted to Mr. Mohammad Naficy, my colleague at NIRT and long-time friend since our days as classmates studying broadcasting at San Francisco State University in the 1960s. Mr. Naficy meticulously reviewed this manuscript and offered many insightful comments. His deep knowledge of NIRT—gained from serving in several important roles, including Manager of NIRT’s Network One Television and Head of the Television Production Division—was invaluable in shaping this account.

I also extend my gratitude to colleagues and friends who reviewed sections of this manuscript and shared their expertise: Dr. James King, who played a central role in training educational technologists at ERTI; Dr. Rick L. Shearer, my collaborator in distance education research at Pennsylvania State University’s World Campus; and Dr. Nancy Moreno-Derks, with whom I worked on developing an online university. Their comments and insights contributed meaningfully to the refinement of this work.

During my many years of teaching at San Diego State University, I was fortunate to work with inquisitive students who frequently asked about current events in Iran, particularly in relation to educational technology, broadcasting, and economic development. Their questions created valuable opportunities for reflection and discussion about the circumstances under which ERTI was established and expanded, as well as the political conditions that eventually undermined its progress. Their sustained interest over the years has been a continual source of contemplation and intellectual engagement for me.

It has now been forty-six years since I left ERTI, and the passage of time has inevitably affected my memory. While I have drawn extensively on original documents in writing this manuscript, some events may have been omitted. More importantly, the absence of certain records may have led to the inadvertent exclusion of colleagues who played significant roles in shaping ERTI’s projects and history. For these omissions, I offer my sincere apologies. I hope that those who were witnesses to ERTI’s development will take the time to share their recollections with me at fsaba@sdsu.edu, so their perspectives may be incorporated into future editions of this manuscript.

I must also thank Ms. Kristina Killian, an alumna of the Department of Educational Technology at San Diego State University immensely. She edited the current version of this manuscript with great care and provided valuable assistance in making it available online. Completion of this project is greatly due to her knowledge of the field, skills in online publishing and continued support and assistance.