First Steps in Journalism: Koosheh Newspaper
Masoudi’s formal entry into journalism came through his work at Koosheh newspaper, managed by Shokrollah Safavi. At Koosheh, he worked alongside prominent figures such as Zabihollah Mansouri, who would later become a prolific translator and writer. These years were formative for Masoudi, as he learned not only the mechanics of newspaper writing but also the politics of journalism.
Koosheh was a small but dynamic newspaper. The experience introduced Masoudi to the challenges of operating a publication under the restrictive press environment of Reza Shah’s reign. Despite censorship and state control, newspapers remained central to the exchange of ideas, particularly in Tehran. After a brief period with Koosheh, Masoudi left to pursue his own ambitions in the field.
Founding of Ettelaat Newspaper
After experimenting with several small printing houses of his own, Masoudi took the bold step of founding Ettelaat newspaper. Established in 1926 when Masoudi was still very young, Ettelaat quickly gained traction.
From its inception, Ettelaat was distinguished by its professional style, modern layout, and accessible language. Unlike the often elite and intellectual press of the period, Ettelaat aimed for a wider readership, appealing to the middle classes, merchants, and bureaucrats who represented the backbone of urban Iranian society.
