Feature > Interview > A CONVERSATION WITH VOA'S AHMAD BAHARLOO BY SHABNAM REZAEI
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Host of the popular daily show “Roundtable With You” and winner of the 2006 WAALM media award, Ahmad Baharloo is a familiar face beaming into Iranian homes across the globe. Having left Iran in 1973, this journalist and self-proclaimed sports lover has managed to open dialogue between Iranians with different viewpoints, backgrounds, and mindsets. His role is an important one and one that is admired by fans around the world. I had the chance to interview this visionary recently.
PersianMirror: Tell us a little about yourself.
Ahmad Baharloo: I was born in a place called Darab, a small town with huge lands, huge farms, and many villages around it. My life before coming to the U.S is almost divided equally between three cities, Darab, Shiraz, and Tehran. So I feel the same affection for all the three of them.
I started elementary school in Darab, finished high school in Shiraz mostly in the greatest school I have seen anywhere in the world called 'Ebn-e Sina' God bless Mr. Sharghi's soul for his endless love to improve that school until 9th grade. Followed by Nemazi, and Kherad high schools.
Then I received a BA in economics from 'Melli University' in Tehran. Then two years of serving in the army in peace time when it was safe, secure, and a valuable learning process. September 13 1973, my American journey started. 1977 after receiving a master degree in Film, and Television, I made a feature film, called 'The End Of Childhood', about young Iranians coming to the U.S with dreams to fulfill. Aug 6 1978 after a short trip to the homeland, I left Darab, Shiraz, Tehran, and Iran for good. Knowing then, deep down inside that the wind of frenzy, and mass madness blowing there was going to be stronger than the little breeze of my dreams. I could sense the backward direction of the people's movement, and didn't want to be part of it. It was so obvious what was coming. I always wonder about the sincerity of those who keep saying they didn't know what was coming. I wonder how long this generation keeps dodging the responsibility.
PM: How did you get started in journalism?
AB: I started as a Sports writer in Tehran’s Mossavar Weekly Magazine while at college and then became the Sports editor. I continued until 1973 when I came to the U.S, but even now, I feel that the 'true me' is still a sports writer. The managing editor of Tehran Mossavar then, was the veteran journalist, Hossein Sarfaraz whom I love and respect for putting his trust on a young student.
I started my Radio career in the Voice Of America on November 22nd 1979, and expanded it to TV on October 18th 1996. I have served VOA to this date on almost every capacity, from translator to announcer, MC, anchorman, programmer, managing editor, editor in chief, deputy chief, and so on.
PM: Tell us about the evolut
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