Objective: Media regulation in Iran is approaching its first decade, encountering unprecedented challenges in governance due to the complex and rapidly evolving global media ecosystem, the expansion of domestic media platforms, the changing nature of regulatory frameworks, and the shifting dynamics with stakeholders and citizens. Consequently, identifying and outlining the key challenges impacting the design of a robust media regulatory system is essential. The importance of this issue lies in the fact that the regulatory challenges for organizing media ecosystems within the digital space are intensifying, making it vital for Iran to precisely assess these challenges and adopt a dynamic approach to media governance. This research aims to underscore the importance of effective media regulatory governance and to explore the numerous and diverse challenges that should be addressed in designing this regulatory framework. The main research question posed is: "What are the obstacles and challenges to designing a media regulatory governance system in Iran?"
Methods: To answer this question, the study employs a qualitative grounded theory approach with a systematic methodology. Data were collected through purposive, semi-structured interviews with 16 experts, stakeholders, and key figures in Iran’s comprehensive audio-visual media regulatory sector.
Results: Based on the findings, the primary challenges in designing Iran’s media regulatory governance system include legal and regulatory issues, media market and industry challenges, conflicts of interest, institutional and structural design issues, enforcement challenges, and future regulatory considerations.
Coclusion: To effectively respond to these challenges, the media regulatory system is confronting a paradigmatic shift. It may require a fundamental transformation in its design and regulatory structure in order to adequately address these issues, or in other words, it may need to reinvent itself. The design and implementation of effective regulations are of particular importance in this context.