AFGHANISTAN

  • December 17, 2024
  • Countries
CONTEXT

AFGHAN MEDIA IN EXILE SINCE TALIBAN TAKEOVER

Following the Taliban’s takeover in 2021, Afghanistan witnessed an exodus of independent journalists and media outlets. This event triggered the closure of many media as well as the departure of over 30 outlets as well as scores of journalists and media managers, many of whom established new media in exile – often as spiritual successors to defunct media in Afghanistan. Currently, about 47 exiled independent Afghan media outlets serve millions of Afghans through digital platforms and satellite TV.

The Taliban quickly imposed severe restrictions and censorship on media in Afghanistan – first with the “11 Journalism Rules”, which imposed restrictions on access to information, news publication, and content production, and later with “17 directives” aimed at enforcing systemic Taliban control over the media space.

These new restrictions violated Afghan media law, including the Mass Media Law of 2009 that had previously been a paragon of progressive media legislation and support for pluralism in the region. In addition to other constraints, restrictions and threats, economic instability emerged as a major contributor to media outlet closures, as many lacked the resources to continue operations. Afghanistan was one of the top 10 global recipients of philanthropic media funding in 2010-2019, meaning that media had little experience of operating business models – on average donor funds made up 90% of Afghan media revenues in 2023.

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40.1

MILLION

According to The World Factbook, the currently estimated population of Afghanistan is 40.1 million people.

47

MEDIA OUTLETS

The JX Fund is constantly tracking the development of 47 independent exiled media from Afghanistan.

24.4

MILLION

In November 2024, 35 of these media outlets have received a total of 24.4 million cumulative views.

AT A GLANCE

INDEPENDENT AFGHAN EXILED MEDIA

Press Freedom

  • Press Freedom Index: 19.09 (178th out of 180 countries)
  • Freedom House Democracy Index: 6/100 – Not Free
  • Violence Against Journalists: The Taliban regime has targeted journalists on a broad scale, resulting in a notable rise in arrests and pre-trial detentions. Since 2021, 141 journalists have been arrested or detained. Some journalists were incarcerated in the same cells as IS militants. Since the Taliban assumed control, 450 instances of journalist mistreatment have occurred.
  • Administrative Measures: Media outlets are compelled to align their content with Taliban policy. Initially, the Taliban issued “11 Journalism Rules”, which directly instructed the media on what to publish and how to promote Taliban narratives. The regime later issued 17 severe directives to systematically control media and journalists (including monopoly of information, censorship, ban of foreign media), in many cases violating Afghan media law.
  • Internet Censorship: As of 2021, 22% of population have access to the Internet, 69% have mobile phones and there are 4.4M social media users. Urban residents with higher education levels showed significantly higher access to smartphones and the internet. Women are more likely to not have access to a mobile phone or any form of media (7% of women versus 3% for men)
  • Internet Penetration: 18.4% (as of 2020)

Population & Demographics

  • Population: 40.1 million
  • Age structure:
    • 0-14 years: 39.6% (male 8,062,407/female 7,818,897)
    • 15-64 years: 57.5% (male 11,702,734/female 11,372,249)
    • 65 years and over: 2.9% (male 535,925/female 629,340)
  • Religions:
    • Muslim 99.7%
    • Sunni 84.7 – 89.7%
    • Shia 10 – 15%
    • other <0.3%
  • Languages:
    • Afghan Persian or Dari (official, lingua franca) 77%
    • Pashto (official) 48%
    • Uzbeki 11%
    • English 6%
    • Turkmani 3%
    • Urdu 3%
    • Pashaie 1%
    • Nuristani 1%
    • Arabic 1%
    • Balochi 1%
    • other <1%
  • Literacy rate:
    • total population: 37.3%
    • male: 52.1%
    • female: 22.6% (2021)
  • Income: GDP per capita: $2,000 (2022)

All data by CIA – The World Factbook (last updated December 11, 2024)

Media System in the Country

The Afghan media ecosystem that developed since 2001 was diverse, typically falling into one of five categories: mainstream commercial media (including TV stations), local community FM radio stations, interest group media (ethnic, religious, partisan media and media owned by warlords), Taliban media, and government-controlled media.

Taliban control over the space has since increased, but other forms of media have persisted, especially via TV and social media (including such names as Amu TV, part of Eye Media Group and Afghanistan International).

Television still stands as the predominant broadcasting platform in Afghanistan, with urban areas exhibiting a higher prevalence of household TV ownership compared to rural regions (as well as higher internet penetration, which is low across the country and a key constraint on content distribution). Radio also remains popular, especially in rural areas, for its accessibility and affordability. Independent media have historically played a significant role since their emergence 20 years ago, bolstered by international development aid post-2001. Television continues to be a significant source of information and entertainment, with 67% of Afghan adults watching TV at least monthly.

GeoPoll Media Viewership Survey findings include:

  • Tolo, Tolo News, and Ariana lead terrestrial TV channels.
  • Among satellite channels, Afghanistan International dominates with 47% reach, followed by GEM Bollywood at 36%.
  • Female viewership notably exceeds male viewership for several major channels.
  • Prime time viewing peaks during the 6 PM-10 PM slot
  • Politics, sports, and drama are the most-watched programming genres.

At least 13 Afghan TV exiled projects are accessible by satellite or online – incl. via web, social media, apps and streaming platforms. Facebook, X, and YouTube are the most popular social media platforms for exiled media outlets – both for audiences to consume content and interact with publishers.

Large outlets hold a significant audience share due to their accessibility via television, which remains a crucial medium, while several dozen smaller outlets often cater to niche or regional interests. It is worth noting that music, banned by the Taliban, is a big draw, particularly for such outlets as Barbudmusic TV. The journalist community in Afghanistan has historically been male-dominated, with women facing significant barriers, especially under Taliban rule. Many female journalists have fled the country, and the exiled media landscape reflects this gender imbalance – where they have founded at least 9 women-focused media, including Rukhshana Media and Zan Times.

The Taliban government has a hostile stance toward independent and exiled media, branding them as propaganda tools of foreign governments. Repressive measures include blocking access to exiled outlets, targeting their families within Afghanistan, and criminalizing associations with these media. On-the-ground reporters face constant threats of violence, arbitrary arrests, and severe restrictions on their reporting.

Exiled media are labeled as “extremist” or “anti-Islamic” by Taliban authorities, effectively criminalizing their content. These designations allow the regime to prosecute or harass individuals consuming or disseminating such media. Additionally, exiled media face challenges with official recognition in host countries, complicating their operations.

Despite risks, many exiled outlets maintain networks of professional journalists or citizen reporters inside Afghanistan to gather firsthand information. These correspondents typically operate secretly, often relying on encrypted communication to send updates, ensuring that independent reporting continues despite the hostile environment. Many media also have staff based in Pakistan and Iran, where they have contact with people entering and exiting the country – enhancing media’s connection to current events.

“In Balkh, our women-run radio stations are still operational. However, Paktya, for example, is much more conservative, thus having women-run radio stations would not be possible there. Women have completely disappeared from the media outlets there.”

Anonymous Journalist

FIGURES & TRENDS

MEDIA PROFILES

Afghan independent media in exile are primarily focused on providing national-level news coverage, often addressing the human rights situation and socio-political dynamics under Taliban rule. However, some outlets also concentrate on specific regions, particularly areas most affected by repression or conflict. The establishment of exiled Afghan media spiked following the Taliban’s return to power in 2021, with at least 15 outlets founded to counter censorship and provide a platform for free expression.

Dari and Pashto, Afghanistan’s two official languages, dominate the media landscape. However, exiled independent media frequently also publish in English, catering to international audiences, advocating for Afghan issues globally, and offering a window into their work for philanthropic donors who play a critical role in their funding models.

Politics and news dominate thematic coverage, with 27 and 22 media outlets respectively prioritizing these areas – reflecting Afghan audience’s need for unbiased information on a rapidly changing political environment. Cultural and society related news also feature prominently, as do Women’s Rights and History.

In terms of formats, interviews and online broadcasts are the most common, aligning with the preference for accessible and engaging content among Afghan audiences. These formats resonate particularly well with younger and urban populations, who increasingly consume media through digital platforms. Investigative reporting is also fairly widely used, often covering issues related to uncovering human rights abuses and exposing government malpractices.

FIGURES & TRENDS

REACH & DISTRIBUTION

Independent Afghan media operating in exile have maintained significant audience engagement within Afghanistan. As of April 2024, their cumulative YouTube views reached approximately 36 million, with around 6 million followers on Facebook.

Television remains a crucial medium due to low internet penetration and high illiteracy rates, with major networks accessible via Satellite or online, via web, social media, apps and streaming platforms; 27% of exiled media reviewed by the JX Fund utilize TV formats. Despite the Taliban’s censorship efforts, these outlets effectively disseminate uncensored information, underscoring their vital role in providing independent news to Afghan audiences.

FIGURES & TRENDS

COMMUNITY

Founded in 2009, the Afghanistan Journalists Center (AFJC) is an NGO dedicated to promoting and defending press freedom in the country, primarily via training workshops and digital safety support, advocacy and monitoring and research work.

Founded in August 2022, after the Taliban takeover, the Afghanistan Journalists Support Organization (AJSO) is dedicated to defending freedom of expression and supporting Afghan journalists both domestically and internationally. AJSO engages in advocacy, organizes events, and holds training programs, among others, with a notable focus on supporting female journalists.

 

“TV coverage extends to nearly 40% of the Afghan population – far more than the level of internet penetration of 22% – making this a key channel for exiled independent media to reach audiences.”

Abdul Mujeeb Khalvatgar, Media Landscapes – Afghanistan

EXPERT COMMENT

PERSPECTIVES & PREDICTIONS

The transformation of Afghan media in exile since 2021 is a story of resilience and innovation under extraordinary pressure. These media outlets have adapted swiftly, leveraging digital platforms, satellite television, and multilingual content to stay connected with audiences inside Afghanistan while navigating censorship, financial constraints, and operational challenges.

Exiled Afghan media have expanded their reach by leveraging both online platforms and satellite TV. Afghan journalists in exile have established groundbreaking free-to-air satellite broadcasts that reach millions in Afghanistan, including those without internet access. One hybrid satellite TV channel’s daily call-in show exemplifies the immense demand for connection and reliable information; in just one hour, the program receives 3,500 calls from across Afghanistan, highlighting the public’s appetite for real-time, credible reporting.

Digital platforms and social media remain key tools, allowing exiled media to circumvent Taliban censorship and gather critical user-generated content (UGC). Afghan media publish thousands of stories annually, amplifying voices that would otherwise go unheard. For instance, one exiled media outlet alone has published 4,000 stories, half of which highlight human rights issues—a powerful response to the deteriorating situation in Afghanistan.

Exiled journalists are supported by thousands of reporters on the ground. A network of major exiled or hybrid media outlets employs approximately 500 journalists and content producers within the country, most of whom remain anonymous.

The rise of citizen journalism has added another layer of complexity. Social media platforms are now a primary source of real-time incident reporting, especially as traditional media inside Afghanistan are increasingly constrained. However, the lack of professional verification has led to misinformation. Nevertheless, data like BBC Media Action’s 2023 survey shows 60% of Afghans believe the media still provides the information they need, even if trust is lower among women, youth, and urban populations.

Donor funding remains the backbone of exiled Afghan media, with significant support from governments, NGOs, and foundations. Yet, media outlets must diversify revenue through commercial models like reader subscriptions, syndication, and advertising. Financial independence is essential not only for sustainability but for fostering a culture of innovation and resilience.

The ultimate goal remains clear: to deliver credible, timely, and accurate reporting, along with general entertainment content, to people inside Afghanistan while safeguarding the culture of audience engagement and freedom of expression cultivated over the past twenty years from being eroded by the Taliban’s social engineering. To achieve this, it is imperative for journalists to avoid becoming tools of social engineering themselves and to adhere strictly to the principles of fairness, impartiality, and credible reporting.

By Lotfullah Najafizada, Founder and CEO of Amu TV

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