Broadcasts target Iranian youths

Washington Times ^ | 11-13-06 | Brian Westley

[JZelle]

A first-time listener to Radio Farda might mistake it for an eclectic pop music station that broadcasts such artists as Madonna, Shania Twain and Britney Spears. But those who continue to listen will hear a news anchor delivering reports on Iran's enrichment of uranium, the Saddam Hussein verdict and the 100th birthday of composer Dmitri Shostakovich. Since its beginning in 2002, the U.S.-funded station, which beams a 24-hour mix of pop music and news into Iran from Northern Virginia, has been criticized for playing too much music and not enough hard news.