Afghan media struggle to survive under Taliban regime

Following the return of the Taliban in Afghanistan after two decades, the media industry in the country is struggling to work freely, as the group banned TV stations to stop showing soap operas featuring women and asked female journalists to follow a dress code.

Following the freefall, dozens of journalists terrified of reprisals for their reporting fled the country, others went into hiding, and many women were forced out of their positions. The economic collapse has pummelled smaller outlets too.

Nehad Rasana-e-Afghanistan (NAI), an organization supporting media in Afghanistan, said that since the Islamic Emirate rule, over 257 media outlets have ceased operating in the country due to financial challenges as well as restrictions. This includes print, radio and TV stations.

According to the watchdog, over 70 per cent of media workers have become jobless or left the country. The most affected community has been the ones who are actually upholding the freedom of speech and expression.

Former Deputy Minister of Coordination, Strategy and Policy in Afghanistan's State Ministry for Peace Abdullah Khenjani pointed out that nearly 7,000 journalists and media workers including the most prominent and leading journalist have left the country and has taken asylum in some other country which resulted in an evident brain drain in the country.

Since the takeover by the Taliban, constructive criticism has gone from the traditional media in Afghanistan. Khenjani further said that the Taliban are not ready to hear any criticism from the media or even independent commentators.

No media could report on corruption, mismanagement, lack of capacity of government or Taliban's behaviour towards people.

( With inputs from ANI )

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