Objective: This study aims to identify the challenges and develop a strategic model for addressing fake news within the international broadcasting networks of the Islamic Republic of Iran, namely Press TV, Al-Alam, and HispanTV.
Method: A mixed-methods approach (qualitative and quantitative) was employed. In the qualitative phase, 15 media experts participated in semi-structured interviews, and thematic analysis was used to extract key challenges. These challenges were categorized into five main dimensions: ideological bias, limitations in audience engagement and credibility, political and structural barriers, lack of trust-building, and the conflation of false and accurate information. The study also highlighted the necessity of utilizing advanced tools and verification systems based on modern technologies. In the quantitative phase, 400 questionnaires were distributed among audiences over 18 years of age across five regions of Tehran, with 388 valid responses analyzed. The theoretical foundation of the study was based on the theories of cultivation, framing, gatekeeping, and fake news production.
Results: Qualitative analysis revealed that ideological bias distorts messaging and reduces audience trust; limitations in audience engagement and credibility decrease content effectiveness and isolate the networks from international audiences; political and structural barriers hinder rapid responsiveness and flexibility in news management; weak trust-building leads to audience skepticism, while the mixing of false and accurate information causes confusion and diminishes credibility. Furthermore, the lack of advanced verification systems and limited human and technical resources negatively affect the ability to counter fake news. Quantitative findings demonstrated significant relationships between fake news management success and transparency of sources, organizational accountability, audience media literacy, content diversity, protection of sensitive information, and continuous audience feedback.
Conclusions: The proposed model emphasizes four key components: transparency and accuracy of news sources, accountability and audience engagement, media literacy education, and balanced content production with the protection of sensitive information. Effectively countering fake news requires strengthening technological capacities, implementing advanced verification mechanisms, and maintaining ongoing engagement with audiences. Structural reforms and long-term investments in human resources, technology, and internal processes of the networks play a critical role in enhancing credibility, public trust, and the overall effectiveness of Iran's international broadcasting.