Design and Validation of a Paradigmatic Model for Establishing Private Television in Iran: A Strategy for Media Development toward Safeguarding Islamic-Iranian Identity

Abstract

The present study aimed to design and validate a paradigmatic model for establishing private television in Iran as a strategy for media development while safeguarding Islamic-Iranian identity. This applied study employed an exploratory sequential mixed-methods design with qualitative and quantitative phases. In the qualitative phase, systematic grounded theory was used, and 27 media experts, university professors, and senior media managers were selected through purposive and snowball sampling. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews and analyzed using open, axial, and selective coding. In the quantitative phase, the statistical population comprised managers, experts, and producers from Channels One to Five of the national broadcaster as well as senior managers of the Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting. A total of 384 participants were selected using stratified random sampling. Data were collected using a 56-item researcher-developed questionnaire derived from the qualitative findings. Its content validity was confirmed by experts, and the overall Cronbach’s alpha coefficient was 0.923. Data were analyzed using SPSS 26 and AMOS 24 through confirmatory factor analysis and structural equation modeling. The results showed that causal conditions had a significant positive effect on the core phenomenon (β=0.68, p<0.001). Contextual conditions significantly and positively affected strategies (β=0.42, p<0.001), whereas intervening conditions had a significant negative effect on strategies (β=-0.27, p<0.001). The core phenomenon also significantly predicted strategies (β=0.54, p<0.001). The strongest structural relationship was observed between strategies and consequences (β=0.74, p<0.001). In addition, the core phenomenon (β=0.22, p<0.001) and contextual conditions (β=0.19, p=0.001) had significant direct effects on consequences. Model fit indices were satisfactory, including χ²/df=1.692, RMSEA=0.042, CFI=0.951, and TLI=0.944. The validated model indicates that private television can contribute to media development and the safeguarding of Islamic-Iranian identity when implemented through a transition from monopoly to regulated competition supported by comprehensive legislation, independent regulation, phased implementation, sustainable economic structures, professional capacity building, and explicit cultural safeguards.