- News code: 1722454
Speaking during a visit to the Jamaran newsroom on Journalist's Day, Hojjat al-Islam Ali Komsari, Head of the Institute for Compilation and Publication of Imam Khomeini’s Works, emphasized the weighty responsibility of journalists during these difficult and critical times.
He noted that while journalism is globally recognized as a demanding and hazardous profession, the hardships, risks, and stress for media professionals have become far more pronounced over the past year.
Dr, Komsari stated: "Jamaran’s audience is the people — the very people who, according to the Imam’s philosophy, are our benefactors. For the Imam, 'the criterion is the vote of the nation.' These are the Imam’s own words. They mean that in the Imam’s worldview, the people are not merely ceremonial figures. Therefore, Jamaran must remain mindful of that mission. In this new phase, you need personnel who understand this philosophy and remain loyal to the Imam’s path."
He stressed that a media outlet like Jamaran has a higher purpose. "Its establishment was not driven by the mere pursuit of 'news for the sake of news.' The Institute did not enter the media landscape simply to own an outlet. Is our duty merely to cover the news? No. There is a higher objective: to promote and revitalize the name, ideas, and thought of Imam Khomeini."
Komsari added that even in reporting ordinary news, Jamaran must have a benchmark: "The Imam never deviated from the bounds of ethics and Sharia. Therefore, the defining essence of Jamaran must be alignment with the principles of the Imam’s thought. This requires a proper understanding of the Imam. Without it, we risk falling into extremes — either excess or deficiency."
He identified "honesty, trustworthiness, and adherence to ethics" as key principles of the Imam, and said: "When we say Jamaran is the media outlet of Imam Khomeini, it does not simply mean that it quotes him. Across news, critiques, analyses, interviews, and articles, Jamaran must keep this guiding principle in mind. Imam Khomeini is not merely a name; he represents a creed, a way of conduct, and in fact, a lifestyle."
Komsari said that if the importance of media work is measured by the nature and frequency of events, then "the present era is of immense significance for the media — perhaps to a degree unparalleled in the last two or three decades. The eras of the Revolution and the war were different. Even the Imposed War lasted eight years, and aside from the first two or three years, events unfolded with intervals between them."
Referring to efforts by some to diminish the Imam’s name, he stated: "Rest assured that as long as the true essence of the Imam is properly articulated, no one can extinguish his light. This aligns with the words of Imam Reza (AS): 'If they knew the virtues of our words, they would follow us.' If we can present the Imam as he truly is, individuals like Martyr Chamran — who excelled at the world’s top universities — will continue to be captivated and drawn to the Imam’s magnetic presence."