40.1
MILLION
According to The World Factbook, the currently estimated population of Afghanistan is 40.1 million people.
AFGHANISTAN
CONTEXT
INDEPENDENT AFGHAN EXILED MEDIA SINCE 2021
After the Taliban seized control in 2021, Afghanistan saw a mass departure of independent journalists and media organizations. Since then, almost 40% of its media outlets have ceased operations, and numerous journalists and media professionals have fled abroad. Many went on to establish new platforms abroad, often as successors to now-defunct Afghan media.
TIGHTENING TALIBAN CONTROL OVER THE PRESS
Only a month after Kabul’s fall, the new authorities issued “11 Journalism Rules” prohibiting coverage deemed contrary to Islam, Afghan culture, or “insulting” to public officials. Since then, they have introduced more than 20 additional regulations, including bans on non-religious music, strict pre-broadcast censorship, and prohibitions on criticizing Taliban laws and policies.
Live political broadcasts are banned, and both program topics and invited experts must be pre-approved by Taliban authorities. A list of 68 approved experts is maintained; inviting anyone outside this list requires prior notification.
40
MEDIA OUTLETS
The JX Fund is constantly tracking the development of 40 independent exiled media from Afghanistan.
15.6
MILLION
In July 2025, 16 of these media outlets received a total of 15.6 million YouTube 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.
FIGURES & TRENDS
MEDIA PROFILES
In 2025, Afghan independent media in exile are primarily focused on providing regional-level news coverage, especially those experiencing the greatest repression or conflict. They frequently cover issues related to human rights and the socio-political landscape under Taliban rule.
Dari and Pashto, the two official languages of Afghanistan, dominate the media scene. However, many independent media outlets operating in exile often publish content in English as well, targeting international audiences, raising awareness about Afghan issues worldwide, and providing transparency for donors who are vital to their funding.
Political and general news coverage lead thematically, with 26 and 19 media outlets focusing primarily on these topics. Investigative journalism, cultural and social issues also receive significant attention, alongside themes such as Women’s Rights and History.
Regarding formats, interviews and online broadcasts are the most prevalent, reflecting Afghan audiences’ preference for accessible and engaging content. These formats especially appeal to younger, urban viewers who are increasingly accessing media via digital platforms.
FIGURES & TRENDS
REACH & DISTRIBUTION
In 2025 the numbers of Social media outreach for Afghan exiled independent media dropped significantly. Compared to November 2024, when monthly website visits reached 1.2 million, by July 2025 the figure had dropped to less than half a million. The Taliban crackdown, ongoing pressure on journalists, and aid cuts have all taken their toll.
Facebook being one of the most popular Afghan social media platforms is also showing decline and loss in page likes with last year comparison. 8.3 against 7.8 respectively.
Meanwhile, other most popular social media platforms showed significant increase – YouTube monthly channel subscriptions in July are 6.2M vs 1.9M in November, 2024. X showing steady growth – 3.5M.
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 women 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
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
FURTHER READINGS
Reports
- Are Donors Taking the Journalism Crisis Seriously? An Analysis of Official Aid to Media 2010–2019,
Mary Myers and Heather Gilberds (CIMA). February 7, 2024 - Afghanistan Exiled Media Since the Taliban Takeover. JX Fund, July 2024
- Afghanistan Media Survey. BBC Media Action, December 2023
- An Explosion of News: The State of Media in Afghanistan. CIMA Report, February 2012
- The Media of Afghanistan: The Challenges of Transition. BBC Media Action, March, 2012
- Afghanistan Media Assessment Opportunities and Challenges for Peacebuilding. USIP Report, 2010
Academia
- Barfield, Thomas J. (2022). Afghanistan: A Cultural and Political History, Second Edition. Princeton University Press
- Ahmed-Ghosh, Huma (2003) “A History of Women in Afghanistan: Lessons Learned for the Future of Yesterdays and Tomorrow: Women in Afghanistan”. Journal of International Women’s Studies: Vol. 4: Iss. 3, Article 1
- Amin Saikal (2004). Modern Afghanistan: A History of Struggle and Survival. Bloomsbury Publishing
Press
- The Taliban Once Smashed TVs. Now it Fosters YouTubers to Promote its Image. Washington Post, March 9, 2024
- Taliban Facebook Plan is an Attempt to Silence Critics, Journalists Say. VOA, April 11, 2024
- The Taliban in Afghanistan. CFR, January 19, 2023
- Anger Grows Over Afghan Journalists Still Stranded by Home Office Inaction. The Guardian, March 4, 2023
- Two Years Into Taliban Rule, Media Repression Worsens in Afghanistan. CPJ, August 14, 2023.
- 333 Afghan Nationals Arrive in Winnipeg, Will Live in Various Canadian Communities. CTV News, December 7, 2023
- Taliban Hits DW, BBC with Broadcast Bans in Afghanistan. DW March 27, 2022
- Taliban Bans BBC, DW, Voice of America News Broadcasts in Afghanistan. Variety, March 28, 2022
- RSF Helps Evacuate 202 Afghan Journalists, Takes 152 Support Measures. RSF, August 10, 2022
- Since the Taliban Takeover, 40% of Afghan Media Have Closed, 80% of Women Journalists Have Lost their Jobs. RSF December 21, 2021
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This research was made possible by funding from the
German Minister of State of Culture and the Media.