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Reporting Truth in Defense of Freedom
Mahtab Farid's journey in journalism is a story of commitment, hard work, and an unwavering passion for truth.
As an immigrant woman, Mahtab encountered challenges and biases in the media industry.
Rather than leveraging her gender or background for special treatment, she chose to work harder, proving that perseverance and dedication can overcome adversity.
Her reporting journey began with an internship at KTLA Channel 5 News, where she worked as a news assistant and was mentored by Hal Fishman. Immersed in a dynamic environment, she gained a crucial understanding of news production that would prove invaluable throughout her career.
Mahtab's journey continued at KTTV, Fox local in Los Angeles where she worked in the station archives, logging political rallies and debates. This role enabled her to identify notable stories while collaborating with producers, teaching her the critical impact of media on political narratives—an essential theme throughout her career.
To further her education, Mahtab pursued a degree in political science while taking on a part-time role at KCAL 9 News in southern California where she worked with news team to produce three live newscasts. At KCAL, she had the privilege of learning from renowned journalists like Jerry Dunphy and Pat Harvey, whose commitment and insights shaped her work ethic and professional development.
A transformative period in Mahtab’s career occurred when she joined Fox News Channel in Washington, D.C., just before the tragic events of September 11, 2001. As a Capitol Hill producer assistant, she quickly grasped the weight of her responsibilities in a politically charged climate. Rising as early as 4 a.m. for demanding Sunday shifts, she prepared crucial news segments and worked closely with the guest desk for live broadcasts.
Mahtab began her on-air reporting journey in international broadcasting, utilizing her cultural and linguistic expertise to deliver the truth to Iran, where freedom of the press was severely restricted.
Through both radio and television, she conveyed the American story, ensuring that Iranian audiences had access to accurate information and diverse perspectives.
Her commitment to journalistic integrity and her understanding of the unique challenges faced by her audience allowed her to bridge cultural gaps, providing a vital source of reliable news in a landscape marked by government disinformation.
Voice of America (VOA) and Radio Farda
Mahtab's Expertise in U.S. International Broadcasting for Iran influenced international broadcasting by shaping programming that effectively told the American story, particularly for Iranian audiences.
At the Voice of America (VOA), she emphasized credible journalism during politically sensitive times, laying the groundwork for her later role in the launch of Radio Farda, a U.S.-funded initiative providing 24-hour programming for Iranian youth.
Notably, before the launch, she proactively reached out to the White House, asking President Bush to release a statement aimed at the youth in Iran.
The White House agreed, and the president subsequently sent a statement emphasizing support for the Iranian people during challenging times.
This strategic endorsement underscored the importance of credible information and a positive American narrative, which Mahtab sought to promote. Through crafting political content that resonated with young Iranians' desires for authentic voices and diverse narratives, she bridged cultural gaps and fostered dialogue, ensuring that the American narrative was relatable and empathetic, and promoting meaningful connections between the two cultures.
Despite the constraints inherent in governmental broadcasting, Mahtab's experiences at VOA and Radio Farda highlighted the critical importance of independent media.
This realization inspired her to launch USI News, a social media platform dedicated to amplifying the voices of Iranians without political interference.
Through USI News, Mahtab transmitted voices from Iran by gaining information from social media, advocating for free expression and the unfiltered sharing of stories from within Iran.
Throughout her career, Mahtab has also dedicated her time to educating the Iranian American community. Working for Radio Iran 670 AM KIRN, she supported the station's reporting from Washington to Los Angeles. During pivotal moments such as the State of the Union, U.S. presidential elections, and midterm elections, she volunteered with Farsi-language TV programs in Southern California, including Pars TV, Andishe, and Ketap Corporation news outlets.
These efforts have been instrumental in informing and educating the community, highlighting her commitment to providing accurate and meaningful journalism during sensitive times.
In addition to her work in the U.S., Mahtab took the fruits of her labor to Afghanistan as a public diplomacy officer, where she helped build capacity for dozens of Afghan journalists in some of the most rural regions of Eastern Afghanistan. Through training initiatives and mentorship, she empowered local journalists, enabling them to amplify their voices and tell their stories in an environment that often lacked free expression.
Through her diverse experiences and relentless passion for storytelling, Mahtab has emerged as a formidable voice in political reporting, proving that with hard work and authenticity, one can carve a meaningful path in the world of journalism.
