The 1357 Revolution and Qutbi’s Resignation
The political landscape in Iran began to shift dramatically in the late 1970s. The growing discontent with the Shah’s regime, fueled by economic challenges and political repression, led to widespread protests and civil unrest. In the midst of this turmoil, Abdul Reza Qutbi found himself at the center of a rapidly changing political environment.
In September 1978, as the revolution gained momentum, Qutbi and his powerful deputy, Mahmoud Jafarian, were forced to resign from their positions at National Television. The pressure from both the government and the public had become untenable, and Qutbi’s progressive approach to broadcasting was no longer tolerated by the increasingly authoritarian regime. After Qutbi’s departure, there was a noticeable shift in the content of National Television. The volume of religious programs increased significantly, and the focus on commercial films and entertainment grew, reflecting the changing political climate.