The Press In Afghanistan: A History Of Resilience And Adaptation

Afghanistan has a variety of newspapers and news sites, including English-language publications. Some of the newspapers available in Afghanistan include the Afghanistan Times Daily, the Kabul Times, and the Daily Outlook Afghanistan. There are also independent news agencies such as the Afghan Islamic Press (AIP) and online news services like Khaama Press. These sources cover a range of topics, from sports and politics to human rights and business news. In addition to print media, Afghans also have access to online news portals and TV channels that provide current affairs and news programming.

Leading Afghan news outlets

Afghanistan has a rich history of mass media, with print media being the first form of media established in the country almost one and a half centuries ago. The country has since seen the development of broadcasting and digital media, with the first radio transmitter installed in 1920 and the internet being used during the Taliban period after 1996. According to a 2020 estimate, over 7 million residents (roughly 18% of the population) had access to the internet.

There are several leading Afghan news outlets that provide valuable news and information to the people of Afghanistan. Here are some of the notable ones:

Khaama Press

Khaama Press is one of the leading news outlets in Afghanistan, established in 2010 by Afghan journalist Khushnood Nabizada. It provides 24/7 news coverage and publishes stories and articles in English, Persian (Farsi), and Pashto. Khaama Press is known for its diverse content, covering a range of topics such as politics, immigration, sports, and culture.

Pajhwok Afghan News

Pajhwok Afghan News is one of Afghanistan's largest independent news agencies. Founded in 2004 by Afghan journalists who worked with the Institute for War and Peace Reporting, it has reporters in nearly every province. Pajhwok publishes stories online in English, Dari, and Pashto, ensuring that people across the country have access to important news and information.

Bakhtar News Agency

Bakhtar News Agency (BNA) is the state-run news agency of the Afghanistan government. It is a wire service that provides news and current affairs coverage to the people of Afghanistan. Bakhtar News Agency is available in English, making it accessible to a wider audience, including foreigners and expatriates living in the country.

Afghan Islamic Press (AIP)

The Afghan Islamic Press is an independent Afghan news agency founded in 1982 and based in Peshawar, Pakistan. It provides daily Afghan news from inside the country and is a valuable source of information for those seeking insights into the country's latest developments. The Afghan Islamic Press has both English-language pages and subscription services.

TOLO News

TOLO News is a leading news network in Afghanistan, part of the Moby Group. It provides news coverage via satellite and has a website in English. TOLO News is known for its diverse programming, including news, reality TV shows, and American programs. The Moby Group also operates Tolo TV, one of the most-watched stations in the country.

Ariana Television Network

The Ariana Television Network is another prominent Afghan media outlet. It has faced challenges, such as the arrest of presenter Mohammad Nasir Fayyaz for criticising members of the cabinet in 2008. Despite this incident, the network continues to play an important role in providing news and information to the people of Afghanistan.

These news outlets play a crucial role in keeping Afghans informed and connected, especially during times of political and social upheaval. They face significant challenges, including restrictions on press freedom, economic crises, and the threat posed by the Taliban regime to their operations and journalists' safety.

English-language Afghan newspapers

Afghanistan has several English-language newspapers, including broadsheets, tabloids, national, regional, and local papers. Here is a list of some of the English-language Afghan newspapers:

• Daily Outlook Afghanistan: This was the first independent English-language newspaper in Afghanistan. It ceased publication following the fall of Kabul.
• Afghanistan Times Daily: An English-language newspaper published in Kabul, Afghanistan.
• The Kabul Times Daily: A daily English-language newspaper printed in Kabul, with the exception of Fridays and Afghan holidays. The first issue was published on February 27, 1962.
• Khaama Press News Agency: One of the largest English news services in Afghanistan, established in 2010. It publishes stories and articles in English, Persian (Farsi), and Pashto.
• Afghan Islamic Press (AIP): An independent Afghan news agency founded in 1982 during the Soviet occupation of Afghanistan. AIP maintains its independence by financing its journalism through commercial activities and refuses funding from any government or institution.
• The Kabul Times: A trustworthy news agency based in Kabul, Afghanistan, covering a range of topics.

Afghan Islamic Press

AIP distributes news reports from correspondents across Afghanistan and prides itself on its professional reporting standards. It maintains its independence by financing its journalism through commercial activities and refusing funding from governments, political groups, or non-government organizations. AIP also cross-checks all its information from at least three sources.

The agency has been accused of spreading propaganda on behalf of the Taliban movement, particularly during the 2001 US invasion of Afghanistan. However, AIP denies these accusations and states that it requires three independent sources for its stories.

AIP covers a range of topics, including finance, technology, security, politics, and current affairs. It is based in Peshawar, Pakistan, and offers a subscription to access its daily news updates.

Afghanistan Times Daily

The Afghanistan Times Daily covers a range of topics, including Afghan politics and cultural issues. It is published on 12 pages and has a readership among NGOs, embassies, UN agencies, students, travellers, government offices, educational institutes, and social organizations. The newspaper operates with a traditional editorial structure, including a chief editor, sub-editors, journalists, graphic designers, and translators, all managed by an editorial board. The editorial board comprises notable figures such as Sharif Fayez, Omar Zakhilwal, Sultana Parwanta, Sharifa Sharif, and Saduddin Shpoon.

The Afghanistan Times Daily also has a management, finance, and marketing department, guided by a board of directors responsible for overseeing financial and marketing matters. The paper's advertising and subscription policies fall under the board's purview.

The newspaper's website provides access to recent articles, with topics ranging from politics and security to humanitarian issues and cultural events. Some specific examples of articles include "UN Chief Warns Absence of Liquidity in Afghan Economy Can Have 'Devastated Consequences'" and "Karzai Calls Girls' Education Important for Country's Development."

Independent media in Afghanistan

Afghanistan's media landscape has undergone a dynamic transformation since the US invasion in 2001, with the rise of independent media being one of the biggest triumphs of the past two decades. However, the country's media environment continues to face significant challenges, including violence, political interference, and financial constraints.

History of Independent Media in Afghanistan

The history of independent media in Afghanistan is closely linked to the country's complex political and social landscape. The country's first newspaper, Shams-i Nahar (Morning Sun), was published in 1873 during the rule of Sher Ali Khan. However, the development of independent media in Afghanistan has been a gradual process, often influenced by changing political and social dynamics.

Current Landscape of Independent Media

Today, Afghanistan boasts a diverse range of independent media outlets, including newspapers, television channels, radio stations, and online platforms. According to a 2019 report, there were over 100 newspapers, 170 radio stations, and thousands of online media outlets operating in the country. However, the independence of media in Afghanistan is still a concern, as political parties and individuals with vested interests own many outlets.

Challenges Faced by Independent Media

One of the primary challenges faced by independent media in Afghanistan is the constant threat of violence and intimidation. According to Nai Supporting Open Media, an Afghan media watchdog, almost 120 journalists and media workers have been killed since 2001, with the Taliban being responsible for over 55 of those deaths. Additionally, the country's unstable political situation and the influence of various armed groups have made it difficult for independent media to operate without fear of censorship or retribution.

The financial sustainability of independent media is another significant challenge. Since 2014, nearly 240 media outlets have ceased operations due to a lack of funding or a viable market for their products. Most independent media outlets rely heavily on foreign funding and grants, and the reduction in international funds has had a detrimental impact on their sustainability.

Efforts to Support Independent Media

Despite the challenges, there are encouraging signs of a vibrant and resilient independent media sector in Afghanistan. The rise of social media and digital platforms has provided new avenues for independent voices to be heard. Additionally, the dedication of Afghan journalists and media workers, coupled with support from international organisations, has played a crucial role in sustaining independent media in the country.

While independent media in Afghanistan faces significant obstacles, the sector has demonstrated resilience and a commitment to upholding press freedom. As the country continues to grapple with political and social uncertainties, the role of independent media in providing unbiased information and diverse perspectives remains crucial for the development of a robust democratic society.

Frequently asked questions