WANA (Feb 23) – The live broadcast of Persian-language network Manoto has once again been halted, this time following what the channel says was a “potential threat warning” received from the UK’s counterterrorism police.

 

According to the network’s official statement, the owner of the building housing its London studio terminated the lease after receiving notification from police, cutting off the channel’s access to the premises. As a result, live programming from the temporary studio has also been suspended, and network executives say live broadcasts cannot resume until an alternative location is secured.

 

In its statement, Manoto accused the Islamic Republic of Iran of “sabotage activities” and linked the suspension to this issue. However, no details about the nature of the alleged threat have been released, and Iranian officials have not responded to the claims so far.

 

The incident comes amid ongoing financial difficulties for the network in recent years. Financial filings in the UK show that Manoto has faced negative balances since 2016, and in 2018 recorded roughly £95 million in debt against only about £3 million in revenue. This financial gap previously led to the closure of parts of the network’s operations in January 2024 and a temporary suspension of broadcasting.

 

Since its founding in London, Manoto has been known as one of the Persian-language media outlets critical of the Islamic Republic. In recent years, it has undergone structural changes, staff reductions, and a review of its funding model.

 

Some media analysts argue that the business model of overseas Persian-language networks — largely dependent on specific investors or non-advertising revenue sources — faces long-term financial sustainability challenges.