USAGM CEO Bennett condemns media restrictions in Afghanistan

December 1, 2022

WASHINGTON, D.C. — In response to orders from Taliban officials to stop broadcasting all USAGM-funded programming on FM and AM transmitters operated by Radio Television Afghanistan, CEO Amanda Bennett issued the following statement:

"This action by the Taliban will be seen for what it truly is — an effort to restrict Afghan citizens' access to uncensored information," said Bennett. "The people of Afghanistan have the right to know all of the facts, including the information the Taliban is hoping to censor in this flagrant attack on press freedom."

USAGM research in 2022 indicates that Voice of America and Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty content is reaching 66% of Afghan adults with access to a mobile phone on a weekly basis.  

"Afghan citizens are seeking out independent, fact-based journalism from Voice of America and Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, and this action by the Taliban is a reminder of the importance of press freedom," Bennett added. "Repressive governments around the world like this one clearly understand the power of independent media — that is why they spend so much time and effort fighting it. We are already exploring alternate transmissions, and we will not let this action deter us."

For more information, contact USAGM Office of Public Affairs at (202) 920-2000.

The United States Agency for Global Media (USAGM) is an independent federal agency, overseeing public service media networks that provide unbiased news and information in countries where the press is restricted. USAGM entities include the Voice of America, Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, the Office of Cuba Broadcasting (Radio and TV Marti), Radio Free Asia, the Middle East Broadcasting Networks (Alhurra TV and Radio Sawa) and Open Technology Fund. USAGM programming has a measured audience of 410 million in more than 100 countries and in 63 languages.

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(‌Press Release)

RFE/RL Condemns Cutoff Of Its Broadcasts In 13 Afghan Cities

RFE/RL Condemns Cutoff Of Its Broadcasts In 13 Afghan Cities

RFE/RL has condemned a decision by the Taliban-led government in Afghanistan to cut off its broadcasts in 13 Afghan cities and said it will continue to broadcast from outside the country despite the move.

More at :

https://gandhara.rferl.org/a/taliban-cuts-off-rferl-radio-broadcasts-afghanistan/32156965.html

Radio Azadi FM Broadcasts Banned in 13 cities of Afghanistan

KABUL (BNA) The Ministry of Information and Culture has banned the broadcasting of Radio Azadi FM in 13 major cities of the country with effect from 1st Dec '22.

More at :

https://bakhtarnews.af/en/broadcasts-radio-azadi-fm-banned-in-13-cities-of-afghanistan/

Related :

Taliban Bans VOA, RFE/RL Radio in Afghanistan

https://www.voanews.com/a/taliban-bans-voa-rfe-rl-radio-in-afghanistan/6856697.html

RFE Marks Successful First Year of Broadcasts to Pakistan

January 12,2011 Prague, Czech Republic

This week, RFE's Radio Mashaal marks the first anniversary of the launch of its Pashto-language broadcasts in Pakistan's Pashtun heartland.

"Our listeners are desperate for reliable news," says Radio Mashaal Director Amanullah Ghilzai. "Last month, the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) called Pakistan 'the world's deadliest place for journalists.' And Reporters Without Borders calls the Swat Valley, 'the valley of fear.'"

On a recent broadcast of one of the stations' most popular call-in shows, "War Stories," a widow from the Swat Valley recounted the story of a 14-hour Taliban attack on her house that killed her husband and son. Another popular Radio Mashaal program is airing a weekly series profiling Pashtun tribal elders who have been killed by the Taliban. The targeting of elders, who form the backbone of Pashtun society in places with little or no government presence, is an underreported tactic the Taliban has been employing for nearly a decade.

Away from the fighting, Radio Mashaal's show, "Your Future," is a program for youths offering advice on schools and careers. Ghilzai calls it "a how-to for young people interested in getting job training, applying for Pakistani schools, or studying abroad."
"Most of our listeners in these parts of Pakistan simply do not have access to such basic information," he says. "That's why we also produce programs dedicated to women's issues and health care."
When the worst flooding in decades devastated large portions of the country last year, Radio Mashaal reported from some of the most inaccessible parts of Pakistan. In the aftermath of the floods, a program called "Hopes" aired 100 special reports on the disaster which provided, among other things, information on where people who lost their homes could turn for help and information about water-born illnesses.

During its first broadcast on January 15, 2010, Radio Mashaal surprised listeners when renowned Pashtun pop star Haroon Bacha emerged from hiding as the host of a new cultural affairs program. Bacha -- a Pashtun entertainment icon -- was forced to flee the region three years ago when Islamic extremists threatened him and his family.

"Radio Mashaal is galvanizing a population starved for artistic outlets," says Bacha, who says his songs of peace are part of "a liberal Pashtun tradition of tolerance."

Radio Mashaal and VOA's Radio Deewa each broadcast nine hours a day on a shared AM frequency. They produce programs on news, politics, culture, women's issues, and music.

(BBG Press Release)