With relations between Iran and the West set to play a central role in world affairs in 2009, Channel 4's Alternative Christmas Message will be delivered by the President of Iran, Mahmoud Ahmadinejad.
He will be delivering a spiritual message and his broadcast will also feature a message of seasonal goodwill.
Head of News and Current Affairs Dorothy Byrne says: "As the leader of one of the most powerful states in the Middle East, President Ahmadinejad's views are enormously influential. As we approach a critical time in international relations, we are offering our viewers an insight into an alternative world view.
"Channel 4 has devoted more airtime to examining Iran than any other broadcaster and this message continues a long tradition of offering a different perspective on the world around us."
This year's message will not be broadcast directly opposite the Queen’s message on other channels – it will air at 7.15pm. There will be a short introduction to the message which will place President Ahmadinejad’s appearance in context.
The full transcript of the message will be available this morning on channel4.com, with the full broadcast video available this afternoon.
Beginning in 1993, Channel 4's traditional alternative to The Queen's Christmas Day broadcast has previously featured an illustrious and varied selection of presenters including an injured veteran from the war in Afghanistan, Quentin Crisp, the Reverend Jesse Jackson, Doreen and Neville Lawrence, Genelle Guzman, a 9/11 survivor and The Simpsons. Details of the message will be released nearer Christmas.
