26 Years Community work at Parvaz TV: A Legacy of Local Media and Community Impact

In today’s rapidly evolving media landscape, local ethnic media like Parvaz TV play a vital civic role. At a time when large media conglomerates often overlook minority communities, local media offers something profoundly valuable: content that reflects cultural identity, language, and lived experiences.

Sherry Soltani – Local Jouranlism Initiative

Without such outlets, many communities would lose access to relevant information, cultural expression, and platforms for civic engagement. Parvaz TV exemplifies how local media can promote social cohesion, build bridges between communities, and uplift underrepresented voices.

While some media stoke division, Parvaz TV fosters connection. Through empowering content and inclusive programming, it continues to serve as a cultural bridge that informs, celebrates, and strengthens the communities it represents.

In a powerful celebration of culture, media, and community, Parvaz TV marked its 26th anniversary of broadcasting from the Lower Mainland with a vibrant appreciation event on Friday, May 30, 2025, at 2062 Esquimalt Avenue in West Vancouver. As a trusted local media outlet, Parvaz TV has made a lasting impact over the past 26 years by amplifying local voices and staying deeply connected to the community it serves. That enduring bond inspired community members themselves to organize this celebration—to show their gratitude and honour the station’s decades of dedication, service, and hard work in uplifting their stories. Organized by a passionate team of volunteers and supporters, the evening featured heartfelt speeches, dynamic performances, and warm hospitality, all reflecting Parvaz TV’s meaningful connection to the local Farsi-speaking community.

In a recent interview, volunteer host Samira Gholami sat down with Samaneh Eftekhari, master of ceremonies, and Amir Abtahi, event planner, to discuss the vision and effort behind the celebration. Samaneh described the event as not just a celebration but a tribute to nearly three decades of service by Parvaz TV in connecting the Persian speaking diaspora in Canada. “We wanted to honour the dedication, perseverance, and behind the scenes work that made this journey possible,” she shared.

Amir highlighted the efforts of Mr. Majid Moshiri, who initiated the idea for the gathering, and the teamwork that brought it to life. Amir emphasized the overwhelming community response following the event’s announcement. “Once the poster was released, all seats were booked within days. Artists, poets, comedians, dancers, even youth, reached out to perform. We would have loved to include everyone, but time was limited.”

Samira reflected on what made the event unique: its atmosphere of unity, pride, and gratitude. Despite its short three hour program, the event drew attendance and recognition from elected officials including Member of Parliament Jonathan Wilkinson, Member of the Legislative Assembly Bowinn Ma, and Member of Parliament Ron McKinnon, all of whom presented certificates acknowledging Parvaz TV’s outstanding service to the community.

The celebration was proudly supported by Skyrise Media Society, a community based organization committed to uplifting diverse voices in Canadian media.

Parvaz TV, Samira explained, is more than just a television channel. Its programming includes Civic Community news, talk shows, music, documentaries, drama, and children’s content, all crafted with an emphasis on cultural exchange, education, and community connection. “It’s a platform where local voices, especially youth, artists, and immigrants, can share their experiences with the broader Canadian audience,” she said. What distinguishes Parvaz TV is its authentic, community centred approach that invites participation rather than passive viewership.