Sighting the Crescent Declared from Radio/TV

Sighting the Crescent Declared from Radio/TV

  36.   If the crescent marking the beginning of Shawwāl is not observed in a city by the local people but the radio or television announces the beginning of Shawwāl, should the local people act upon the radio announcement, or should they ascertain by investigating whether Shawwāl has commenced?
   A: If the radio or television announcement makes them feel sure that Shawwāl has commenced, or there is a decree by the Jurist Leader announcing the beginning of Shawwāl, then there is no need for further investigation. 

Source: Hadana adopted from the Istiftaat of the Grand Ayatollah Khamenei