Radio Farda defies pressure to continue Iran coverage amid conflict

In response to the escalating conflict between Israel and Iran, Radio Farda, a U.S.-operated news outlet, has intensified its coverage targeting Iranian audiences. The organization, which is part of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty and is based in Prague, has faced significant challenges due to government cutbacks and furloughs affecting more than half of its staff. Nevertheless, the remaining journalists have committed to providing timely updates on the situation. Despite threats aimed at their families from the Iranian government, the team at Radio Farda has continued to provide minute-by-minute information about the conflict. On June 19, 2025, as the war intensified, both Radio Farda and the Persian-language service of Voice of America regained their footing after being urged to return to work recently. This call came amid a backdrop of uncertainty, as the Trump administration's agenda to dismantle or reduce U.S.-funded news services in regions lacking a free press was still in effect. With employees returning to cover the war, they still expressed concerns about the future of their positions given the precarious state of government support. The struggle to find and deliver accurate information is compounded by the recent cancellation of subscriptions to major news services, hindering their reporting capabilities. Even with constraints, journalists at both Radio Farda and Voice of America have adjusted their methods, utilizing social media to gather information and report on Iranian counterattacks in Israel. Past issues, such as having been off the air for over two months, pose significant risks, making it likely that Iranian citizens may seek news elsewhere if the services are not consistently available. The underlying tension illustrates a broader information war, where news outlets that report outside of government narratives are often targets for suppression by regimes in Iran, Russia, and China. The ongoing commitment by Radio Farda reflects the vital role played by independent journalism in conflict areas, emphasizing the necessity for international broadcasting in times of crisis, even as the potential for job losses looms over the journalists providing this crucial service.