Ali Hamedani is an Iranian-British journalist who works for BBC News. He is known as the first openly gay Iranian journalist who covered the issue of the LGBTQI community from inside Iran.
Over the past 17 years, Ali Hamedani contributed to several flagship platforms of the BBC in different capacities. As a presenter, reporter, producer, and mentor, he contributed to BBC’s domestic and
International programs such as BBC Persian Service, BBC Afghan Service, BBC World Service Radio, BBC World News TV, Newsnight, News at Ten, BBC Radio 4’s Today Program and World Tonight, and BBC Eye (Investigation unit).
Ali Hamedani made several bilingual TV and Radio documentaries. He has been nominated for several international awards.
Ali Hamedani also dedicated himself to nurturing the next generation of media professionals. With his vast expertise and invaluable insights, Ali has trained and mentored hundreds of aspiring journalists and citizen journalists in different countries like Afghanistan, imparting his knowledge and guiding them towards excellence in their craft. His commitment to developing talent and fostering the growth of media practitioners has had a lasting impact on the industry.
Early life
Ali Hamedani was born on 13 May 1985 in Tehran, Iran. Ali’s formative years unfolded in the midst of post-revolutionary and post-war Iran, particularly in Tehran, a time marked by significant social and political suppression. Despite the challenging environment, Ali’s innate passion for storytelling emerged during his early years. Fueling his creative spirit, he began writing a clandestine weblog, serving as a means to express his thoughts and observations discreetly. Furthermore, in 2004, he embarked on an innovative endeavor, creating one of the first-ever Persian language podcasts from within Iran, demonstrating his pioneering spirit and commitment to sharing stories.Parallel to his burgeoning interest in storytelling, Ali nurtured his love for animals. This devotion led him to pursue a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree.
Journalism inside Iran
Simultaneously, he embarked on a journalism training program with BBC Media Action, where he worked as a reporter and presenter for BBC Persian Radio. Through his radio programs, Ali shed light on the clandestine lives of Iranian youth, minority groups, and the underground music scene within Iran.Notably, Ali made history by becoming the first Iranian gay journalist to report on the situation of the LGBTQI community in Iran for a prominent international media platform in 2006.
His courageous reporting garnered attention and acclaim, but it also caught the eye of the Iranian Ministry of Intelligence, resulting in his arrest in 2008. Seeking a safer environment, Ali made the difficult decision to leave Iran and relocated to London in August 2009.
BBC Persian
Ali Hamedani’s remarkable career at BBC Persian spanned several years, during which he emerged as the esteemed and beloved anchor of the morning show. Recognizing the need for innovation, Ali spearheaded the transformation of the traditional radio format into a cutting-edge visual radio and TV program called Chashm Andaz Bamdadi. His visionary approach breathed new life into the show, captivating audiences with its modernity and engaging presentation style.In addition to his role as an anchor, Ali played a pivotal role as one of the key reporters and presenters for BBC Persian TV.
BBC News
Over the past 17 years, Ali Hamedani contributed to several flagship platforms of the BBC in different capacities. As a presenter, reporter, producer, and mentor, he contributed to BBC’s domestic and
International programs such as BBC Persian Service, BBC Afghan Service, BBC World Service Radio, BBC World News TV, Newsnight, News at Ten, BBC Radio 4’s Today Program and World Tonight, and BBC Eye (Investigation unit). In summer 2023 he joined BBC Two’s Newsnight
Interviews
Ali Hamedani had the unique privilege of engaging with influential figures from the spheres of politics, society, and culture. His reputation attracted individuals who seldom granted interviews or maintained limited interactions with the media. Among the notable personalities he had the opportunity to interview were the esteemed Burmese political activist Aung San Suu Kyi, the accomplished Acting Director of US National Intelligence Richard Grennel, and even the former Queen of Iran, Her Imperial Majesty Farah Pahlavi.
Events
Ali Hamedani’s influence extends beyond mentoring to hosting and moderating significant panels and events. His reputation as a skilled and engaging moderator led to him being invited to host panels at prestigious gatherings, such as the Munich Security Conference. In these high-profile settings, Ali expertly facilitated discussions among prominent figures, fostering meaningful dialogue on pressing global issues and generating valuable insights for participants and audiences alike.
Films
Ali Hamedani made several bilingual TV and Radio documentaries. He has been nominated for several international awards. His films are accessible on his Youtube Channel