Bryan
24-12-2008, 19:24
The President of Iran will deliver Channel 4's Alternative Christmas Message, the broadcaster has confirmed.
With relations between Iran and the West expected to be at the forefront of political debate next year, President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad will impart a spiritual message and "seasonal goodwill" to UK viewers.
Unlike earlier years, the broadcast will not go up against the Queen's speech, instead airing at 7.15pm.
Dorothy Byrne, head of news and current affairs for Channel 4, said: "As the leader of one of the most powerful states in the Middle East, President Ahmadinejad's views are enormously influential. As we approach a critical time in international relations, we are offering our viewers an insight into an alternative world view.
"Channel 4 has devoted more airtime to examining Iran than any other broadcaster and this message continues a long tradition of offering a different perspective on the world around us."
Previous C4 Christmas messages have come from an Afghanistan war veteran, Quentin Crisp, the Reverend Jesse Jackson and The Simpsons.
With relations between Iran and the West expected to be at the forefront of political debate next year, President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad will impart a spiritual message and "seasonal goodwill" to UK viewers.
Unlike earlier years, the broadcast will not go up against the Queen's speech, instead airing at 7.15pm.
Dorothy Byrne, head of news and current affairs for Channel 4, said: "As the leader of one of the most powerful states in the Middle East, President Ahmadinejad's views are enormously influential. As we approach a critical time in international relations, we are offering our viewers an insight into an alternative world view.
"Channel 4 has devoted more airtime to examining Iran than any other broadcaster and this message continues a long tradition of offering a different perspective on the world around us."
Previous C4 Christmas messages have come from an Afghanistan war veteran, Quentin Crisp, the Reverend Jesse Jackson and The Simpsons.