By Pishtaz | 2026-05-22

Following the mass killing of protesters in January 2026, Iran's state broadcaster, Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting (IRIB), descended further into institutional panic and internal collapse.

Reports from social media, local journalists and former employees described collapsing morale, intensifying fear and expanding silent resistance throughout the organization.

Employees reportedly submitted growing numbers of resignation requests and early retirement applications following the regime's deadly nationwide crackdown against protesters.

Discussions circulating online during early May 2026 suggested many employees feared public backlash over working for the regime's propaganda apparatus.

Many social media posts described IRIB as a corrupt institution controlled heavily by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and political security networks.

Some posts claimed reporters began wearing masks during field broadcasts because they feared public recognition and possible retaliation from angry citizens.

Internal tensions reportedly expanded far beyond resignations and early retirement requests across several departments inside the heavily politicized broadcaster.

Staff increasingly failed to appear for work, prompting security and human resources departments to issue warnings against "feigned illness" and unexplained absences.

Employees reportedly used absenteeism as a form of non-violent resistance against the broadcaster's role defending state violence and repression.

Confidential internal memorandums reportedly instructed managers to identify and report workers displaying "suspicious behavior" or signs of political disloyalty.

Sources additionally claimed employees working inside IRIB's Political Department faced interrogation sessions conducted by internal security and intelligence units.

The pressure intensified despite reported salary increases approaching fifty percent for IRIB employees during worsening inflation and economic instability across Iran.