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ISNA is a semi-official Iranian news agency (Iranian Students News Agency). This is a translation of that outlet's own report; it is the outlet's account, not Artesh's finding. See what Iranian state media is saying today.
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Don't Buy the 'Donkey'!

1w ago October 19, 2026 1 min read 📰 ISNA
📋 Key Takeaway

State television featured a donkey in a live segment, highlighting its desperate attempts to attract viewers amid a decline in audience numbers. This unusual choice reflects the lengths to which the network is willing to go to remain relevant. It raises questions about the future of state media in Iran.

🔍 Quick Context Guide
💡 Bottom Line: The use of a donkey on state television underscores the desperation of Iranian media to adapt to changing viewer preferences.

👥 Key Players

Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting (IRIB) MENTIONED
State television network
"IRIB is the primary state-controlled media outlet in Iran, influencing public opinion and cultural narratives."
Iranian audience MENTIONED
Viewers of state television
"The audience's preferences and engagement levels directly impact the relevance and funding of state media."

📰 What Happened

Iran's state television featured a donkey in a live segment, aiming to attract viewers amid declining audience numbers. This unusual choice highlights the desperation of the network to remain relevant in a changing media landscape.

  • The donkey was milked live on air, a spectacle intended to draw attention.
  • This event is indicative of broader trends in media consumption and audience engagement in Iran.

💡 Why It Matters

🇮🇷 For Iran: This reflects the challenges faced by state media in maintaining relevance and engaging a younger audience increasingly drawn to alternative media sources.
🌍 Regional: The situation may influence other state media in the region facing similar audience declines.
🌐 International: International observers may view this as a sign of the Iranian government's struggle to control narratives and maintain influence over public opinion.

📚 Background

Iranian state media has historically been a tool for government propaganda, but it faces increasing competition from social media and independent outlets, leading to a crisis in viewership.

Media censorship in Iran Impact of social media on traditional media
📡 Source: STATE MEDIA
📊 Confidence: 70%
As a state media outlet, IRIB may present information that aligns with government interests and narratives.

Three days ago, Channel Three hosted a guest who neither demanded astronomical wages nor was subject to the strict regulations of previous years of state television: a donkey! The guest's scene of being milked in the studio, in front of the audience's eyes, raised the discussion that state television, in the crisis of audience decline, is resorting to any means to perhaps be seen for a few minutes on social media.

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Translated from the original and edited for English readers. View original source →

Translation confidence: 85%

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