The Role of Media in Shaping Public Opinion In the Discourse of Ayatollah Khamenei about Culture Defense

This paper deals with the role and status of media in shaping public opinion in our country. The past experience of the Islamic Revolution proves this supposition that foreign media invasion will be increased both in quantity and quality in future. The development of communication technology has facilitated the West efforts to attack our values and ideals as well as religious, revolutionary and national norms of Iranians. The Islamic Revolution relies on people, therefore, this paper using cultural reflections of the Leader of the Revolution has emphasized on concepts like media and its function, public opinion and media function and their role for the integrity of the internal structure of the state. This is an applied research that explains the role and status of media in directing public opinion based on the thoughts of the Leader of the Revolution and is going to answer this question: “What is the role and status of media in shaping public opinion for the expansion of defense culture?” Documentary method has been used for the collection of data. Finally, qualitative content analysis is the method which is used for reviewing Imam Khomeini and Ayatollah Khamenei viewpoints.