The Evolution Of Entertainment: Television's Presence In Afghanistan

Afghanistan has had television since 1978, when the state-owned Radio Television Afghanistan (RTA) launched the country's first TV channel. Since then, Afghanistan has developed a diverse media landscape, with over 200 local and international television channels available as of 2019. Television ownership and viewership are concentrated in urban areas, where electricity is more reliable and household incomes are higher. Afghan television has faced challenges and restrictions, particularly during the Taliban regime, which banned television and enforced strict censorship. However, since the Taliban's removal from power in 2001, the country has witnessed a revival of media outlets and a transition from analogue to digital TV transmission.

Afghanistan's TV history

Afghanistan has a complex and tumultuous history when it comes to television. Television broadcasts in the country began in 1978, with the launch of the first TV channel, Afghanistan National Television (RTA), by the state-owned Radio Television Afghanistan. RTA initially broadcast for two hours daily and aired several Soviet programs during the 1980s, such as the children's show "Nu Pogodi!".

The development of television in Afghanistan was made possible by technical and financial aid from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), which supported the construction of studio and transmitter buildings. This phase of growth, however, was short-lived due to the onset of hostilities in the early 1990s, which destroyed broadcasting infrastructure.

The Taliban government, which held power from 1996 to 2001, imposed a strict ban on television. They ordered the destruction of TV sets and punished anyone found owning or watching television. This ban extended to the closure of stores selling TVs, satellite dishes, and other entertainment technology. The national television broadcaster was shut down, and private broadcasters' studios were smashed by the regime's police. However, a small territory controlled by the Northern Alliance in the northeast province of Badakhshan managed to operate a television channel, broadcasting news and movies to approximately 5,000 people despite facing some censorship and technical challenges.

Following the overthrow of the Taliban regime in 2001, Afghanistan's earliest television channel was relaunched under the Karzai administration. Tolo and Shamshad TV became the first commercial TV stations in the country, offering a wide range of programming. By 2017, there were around 76 local channels operating in Afghanistan, including international channels.

In 2019, Afghanistan had over 200 local and international television channels, with 96 in Kabul and 107 in other provinces. Afghanistan National Television (RTA) remained the state-owned channel, and RTA Sport, a sister channel dedicated to sports content, was launched in the same year.

However, since the Taliban's return to power in 2021, Afghanistan's media landscape has once again faced severe restrictions. Music has been banned from broadcasting, and women's appearances on television have become rare. Female presenters have been instructed to cover their faces, and some channels have opted to shut down due to uncertainty and a lack of funding. As of 2023, out of 150 TV channels, fewer than 70 continue to operate, illustrating the significant impact of the Taliban's restrictions on the country's television industry.

Popular TV channels

Afghanistan has a wide range of local and international television channels, with around 76 channels operating in the country as of 2017. This number has since grown, and as of 2019, there were over 200 TV channels available in Afghanistan, with 96 in Kabul and 107 in other provinces.

The state television channel is Afghanistan National Television (RTA), previously known as Radio Television Afghanistan. RTA launched the first TV channel in Afghanistan in 1978, broadcasting for two hours daily. During the 1980s, many Soviet programs were aired, including the children's show "Nu Pogodi!".

Some of the most popular TV channels in Afghanistan include:

• Tolo: Tolo was the first commercial TV station in the country and is the most-watched network. It is particularly popular with female viewers.
• Ariana Television Network: This channel is also widely watched and is the second most popular after Tolo.
• Shamshad TV: This channel, along with Tolo, laid the foundation for accessible media outlets by offering a large library of shows.
• Lemar: Lemar is another popular channel in Afghanistan, ranking fourth in terms of viewership.
• Baano TV: This channel is included in a list of television stations in Afghanistan.
• Afghan Television Voice of Christ: This channel is mentioned as one of the popular TV channels in Afghanistan.
• IRIB 3 – Shabake 3: This channel is included in a list of Afghan Live TV channels.

TV ownership and viewership

Television broadcasts in Afghanistan began in 1978, and as of 2019, the country has over 200 local and international television channels. However, TV ownership and viewership are concentrated in urban areas, with the central region of Kabul exhibiting the highest percentage of households with TV sets at 53.3%. Nearly two-thirds of Afghans (64.5%) report watching TV programs, with Tolo being the most-watched network, followed by Ariana Television Network, Shamshad TV, and Lemar.

A 2015 Gallup study found that Tolo was the most popular channel with females, while Afghanistan National Television (RTA) was preferred by males. Weekly TV viewing was highest in the north of Afghanistan and lowest in the east. The dominant method of watching TV in urban areas is through traditional analog terrestrial signals using antennas, while satellite transmission is more common in rural areas. Cable TV rates are low across the country.

In 2014, Afghanistan transitioned from analog to digital TV transmission with the launch of Afghansat 1. This transition improved the accessibility and quality of television signals for viewers. The country now has a mix of state-owned and private television channels, with the state-owned Radio Television Afghanistan (RTA) being the first to launch in 1978.

Since the Taliban's return to power in 2021, Afghanistan's media outlets have faced severe restrictions and economic challenges. Some channels have chosen to shut down due to uncertainty and a lack of funding. The Taliban has also imposed bans on women appearing in TV dramas and presenting without face coverings. These restrictions have impacted TV ownership and viewership, with more than half of the registered media outlets in 2021 no longer operating as of 2023.

Taliban's impact on TV

Television broadcasts in Afghanistan began in 1978, with the state-owned Radio Television Afghanistan (RTA) launching the country's first TV channel. During the 1980s, many Soviet programs were aired, and musicians used the RTA studios to record music videos. However, from 1992 onwards, television in Afghanistan went into decline due to the destruction of broadcasting infrastructure during hostilities in the capital, Kabul.

During the Taliban government between 1996 and 2001, television was banned, and the sale and ownership of television sets, satellite dishes, and other entertainment technology were prohibited. The Taliban's religious police destroyed television sets and punished anyone found watching TV. The national television broadcaster was shut down, and private broadcasters' buildings and studios were smashed.

After the Taliban were overthrown in 2001, television in Afghanistan restarted, and by 2019, the country had over 200 local and international television channels. However, since the Taliban's return to power in 2021, media outlets have faced severe restrictions and economic challenges. The Taliban have imposed bans on women appearing in TV dramas and on the broadcasting of localized Pashto or Dari language content from the BBC and VOA. Female TV presenters are required to cover their faces, and many journalists and media activists have left the country.

The Taliban have also targeted international media, banning journalists and citizens from cooperating with Afghanistan International TV, which is based in London. The Taliban have accused the channel of violating Afghan values and aiding the group's opponents. In addition to restricting television and other media, the Taliban have also banned music broadcasts and imposed restrictions on women appearing in the media.

TV's future in Afghanistan

Television broadcasts in Afghanistan began in 1978, with the state-owned Radio Television Afghanistan (RTA) launching the country's first TV channel. Over the years, Afghanistan has witnessed a growth in television channels, with over 200 local and international channels available as of 2019. The country has also transitioned from analog to digital TV transmission, with the launch of its Afghansat 1 satellite in 2014.

However, the future of television in Afghanistan faces significant challenges due to the country's political and social landscape. Since the Taliban's return to power in 2021, media outlets have faced severe restrictions, economic crises, and diminishing support from Western countries. More than 300 media outlets are reported to have closed down, and journalists and media activists have fled the country.

The Taliban's strict rules have impacted the content and operations of television channels. Music has been banned, and the appearance of women on television has been restricted, with female presenters instructed to cover their faces. These limitations have led to self-censorship and editorial concessions to the Taliban's demands, eroding freedom of expression.

Despite these challenges, some television channels in Afghanistan continue to operate. Tolo TV, a leading private network operated by the Moby Group, remains active and accessible via satellite. Similarly, channels like Lemar TV, Ariana TV, and Shamshad TV have managed to stay on air, providing broadcasts within Afghanistan and to other parts of the world.

The future of television in Afghanistan remains uncertain. While some channels persist in delivering content, the environment is fraught with difficulties. The combination of strict regulations, economic struggles, and limited international support creates a fragile situation for the industry. It is possible that more channels may cease operations or face further restrictions on their content and operations. On the other hand, the resilience of some media outlets offers a glimmer of hope for the continuation of television in Afghanistan, albeit with significant adaptations to navigate the prevailing circumstances.

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