The Role of National Media in Political Anomie in Iran (State–Nation): A Case Study of Bushehr Province

Abstract

The present study aims to examine the role of national media in political anomie (state–nation) with a case study of Bushehr Province. The research methodology is descriptive in terms of its objective, applied in nature, and utilizes a combination of survey and interview methods for data collection. The statistical population includes 30 managers, experts, and media activists from Bushehr Province for interviews, alongside 378 individuals randomly selected as the survey sample based on Morgan's table. A researcher-developed questionnaire was employed to examine the variables, and the questionnaire’s reliability and validity were confirmed with a Cronbach's alpha coefficient of 0.83. Data were analyzed using Spearman’s correlation coefficient, stepwise regression analysis, and a significance level of (P < 0.05). The findings indicate a direct and positive relationship between national media and the emergence of political anomie between the state and the nation. Moreover, the study reveals that the national media, by perpetuating mass media strategies and state dependency, has reduced its influence in the public domain, leading to the substitution of social media in its place. Therefore, it can be concluded that the role of national media as a mediator between the state and the nation has diminished in its impact on public opinion. This reflects a spiritual disconnection with the national media (anomie), which may contribute to the emergence and intensification of political anomie in society, particularly among youth and future generations.