IRIB TV1
Iranian national public television channel and the oldest television service in Iran.
Last updated August 31, 2026
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Overview
IRIB TV1, also known as Channel One or Shabakeh-ye Yek, is a national television channel operated by Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting (IRIB). It is generally regarded as Iran's oldest television service and is often called the National Channel because it has historically received a large share of IRIB's television resources and has carried programming of broad national importance. Its schedule combines news, public-affairs programming, drama, feature-film premieres, religious broadcasts, documentary material, entertainment and selected children's programming. The service originated in the commercial Television of Iran (TVI), established by the Sabet family. TVI began broadcasting in Tehran in March 1958 and initially combined locally produced material with imported programming from the United States and Europe. Habib Sabet, a prominent Iranian businessman and RCA representative, owned the venture. The service expanded beyond Tehran, including a station in Abadan, but its commercial model faced financial difficulties and increasing government concern about the cultural and editorial implications of privately operated broadcasting. TVI was nationalized in 1969 and subsequently became part of the state broadcasting structure. In 1971 it was incorporated into the National Iranian Radio and Television organization, or NIRT. Following the 1979 Iranian Revolution, IRIB assumed the functions of NIRT. The channel's programming was then reshaped around the Islamic Republic's political, cultural and religious priorities. Many American imports disappeared, domestic production became more prominent, and broadcasts adopted formal religious and national elements, including Quran recitation and the national anthem. News coverage has generally emphasized official government positions alongside selected international reporting. IRIB TV1 has traditionally served as a flagship outlet for major national events. It carries a widely watched news bulletin, Friday-prayer coverage and major public ceremonies. Sporting events were once an important part of its schedule, although much of that role later moved to IRIB TV3. The channel also broadcasts established Iranian dramas and reruns, while youth-oriented first-run programming is more commonly associated with IRIB TV2. The channel's identity is closely connected to the wider IRIB visual system and to the ideological language of the Islamic Republic. Its turquoise branding is associated with Iranian architectural and civilizational imagery. In 2019, IRIB TV1 refreshed its on-air graphics and visual identity while also marking the launch anniversary of its high-definition service. The channel has also been criticized by human-rights organizations and other observers for broadcasting alleged forced confessions, a controversy linked to wider criticism of IRIB's editorial practices. During a later period of regional conflict, damage to IRIB headquarters caused the network to leave the air temporarily. IRIB TV1 nevertheless remains an active national broadcaster with a central role in Iran's state television system.
History
IRIB TV1 traces its origins to Television of Iran (TVI), a private broadcaster created by the Sabet family. Habib Sabet, a prominent merchant and RCA representative, owned the enterprise. The service began transmissions in Tehran on 21 March 1958, initially using channel 2 before moving to channel 3 later that year. A formal building dedication took place on 3 October 1958. A. Vance Hallack, an RCA engineer who had also worked on broadcasting projects in Baghdad and other countries, served as the first manager. At launch, TVI mixed domestic material with imported programs, particularly productions from the United States and Europe. It operated a Tehran service and a related Abadan station, and it attracted advertising from major commercial sponsors, including RCA, General Tire, Pepsi-Cola, Autolite, Squibb and Volkswagen. By the mid-1960s, the Tehran signal reached more than 80,000 television sets. The broadcaster introduced a nightly news program and attempted to improve its technical operations and advertising performance with outside engineering assistance. The commercial model proved difficult to sustain. TVI reportedly experienced substantial financial losses and its owners sought to sell the service to the government. Authorities were also concerned that a commercially oriented channel did not sufficiently support educational and national objectives. Government plans for a public television network developed alongside discussions about bringing TVI under state control. TVI was nationalized in late April 1969. The former service continued within a reorganized structure, while a second national channel was developed. In 1971, the broadcaster became part of the National Iranian Radio and Television organization, known as NIRT. The 1979 Iranian Revolution brought another institutional transformation. IRIB replaced NIRT and reoriented television around the values and political priorities of the Islamic Republic. American imports were removed or sharply reduced, both because of the new government's hostility toward the United States and because of a stated desire to limit Western cultural influence. Programming became predominantly Iranian, although a limited number of older films, cartoons and foreign documentary or drama productions continued to appear. Broadcast openings incorporated the national anthem and Quran recitation, with Persian explanations provided for Arabic passages. Female continuity announcers adopted head coverings, reflecting the new broadcasting environment. Over subsequent decades, IRIB TV1 developed into the network's principal general-interest channel. It carried national news, public affairs, religious events, Friday prayers, major ceremonies, drama series, film premieres and selected sports. Many well-known Iranian productions, including historical and literary dramas, appeared in its schedule. Children's programs were also shown, although first-run youth content became more closely associated with IRIB TV2. Major sports gradually shifted toward IRIB TV3 as the network's specialization changed. The channel's technical and presentation systems also evolved. During Ali Larijani's management of IRIB, the service changed its analogue color-broadcasting system from SECAM to PAL. From 14 July 2018 to 20 May 2022, Majid Zainul Abdin managed the channel. In December 2019, IRIB TV1 updated its visual identity and graphics in connection with the channel's anniversary and its high-definition service. Its branding draws on the broader IRIB emblem, using geometric forms and turquoise as a signature color. IRIB TV1 remains a central outlet in Iran's state television system. Its prominence also makes it part of recurring debates about media independence, political messaging and human rights. In particular, observers have criticized the airing of alleged forced confessions. The channel has additionally faced the operational consequences of regional conflict: during the Twelve-Day War, Israeli airstrikes damaged IRIB headquarters and temporarily interrupted its transmission.
- 2019
Visual identity and HD graphics are refreshed
[1]The channel introduced updated branding and on-air graphics while marking its establishment anniversary and HD service.
- 2018
Majid Zainul Abdin becomes channel manager
[1]Majid Zainul Abdin managed IRIB TV1 from July 2018 until May 2022.
- 1979
IRIB assumes control after the Revolution
[1]Following the Iranian Revolution, IRIB replaced NIRT and reshaped the channel's programming and presentation.
- 1971
Service joins NIRT
[1]The channel became part of the National Iranian Radio and Television organization.
- 1969
TVI is nationalized
[1]Television of Iran was brought under government ownership as the state expanded its role in national television.
- 1958
Television of Iran begins broadcasting
[1]The predecessor service began broadcasting in Tehran on 21 March 1958 as a privately operated commercial station established by the Sabet family.
Products and positioning
Public-service and state national broadcaster with a broad general-interest schedule, strong news and ceremonial functions, and a prominent place within Iran's government-operated television system.
News broadcasting
National news
IRIB TV1 carries one of Iran's most watched television news broadcasts. Its news output combines domestic reporting, official government statements and selected international coverage, reflecting the channel's role as a principal national information outlet.
Television drama
Iranian drama series
Drama is a major part of the channel's general-interest schedule. IRIB TV1 has aired prominent Iranian historical, literary and contemporary series, including productions such as Hezar Dastan, Imam Ali, Sarbedaran, Dar Chashm-e Baad, Prophet Joseph and Mokhtarnameh.
Public-service broadcasting
Religious and national-event coverage
The channel broadcasts Friday prayers, religious programming, national ceremonies and other events of state or public significance. These broadcasts reinforce its position as IRIB's principal national channel.
Film broadcasting
Iranian film premieres
IRIB TV1's schedule includes television premieres of major Iranian films, complementing its locally produced dramas, entertainment programs and documentary output.
Children's television
Children's and family programming
The station carries children's programs, although many first-run youth programs are associated with IRIB TV2. IRIB TV1 has also shown reruns and family-oriented entertainment.
Controversies
Brand decisions
2019
On-air identity and HD presentation refreshProduct launchBackground
The channel updated its presentation in connection with its anniversary and HD service.
Action taken
IRIB TV1 introduced refreshed visual branding and graphics.
Aftermath
The update modernized the channel's on-screen identity while retaining its connection to the wider IRIB visual system.
1969
Transition from commercial television to state ownershipStrategyBackground
Television of Iran faced financial difficulties, while the government sought greater control over broadcasting and more educational and national programming.
Action taken
The service was nationalized and incorporated into the state broadcasting system.
Aftermath
The broadcaster moved away from its original advertising-led model and eventually became part of NIRT before being transferred to IRIB after the 1979 Revolution.
Sources2 sources
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