Press Releases

Afghanistan Media – a Vision for the Future

Photo: Internews Afghanistan Alonzo Fulgham, USAID Mission Director in Afghanistan, answers questions from Afghan journalists at a workshop organized by Internews.

(July 24, 2006) Afghan journalists expressed confidence in the progress made by the media over the last four years, but more capacity building and support is still needed, they said during a two-day workshop organized by Internews in June.

More than 100 top editors, journalists and media workers participated in a media review and planning seminar hosted June 14-15. Attendees were asked to discuss and draft their views on a variety of topics, from media self-sustainability and donor relations to professional development and content and quality of the press.

Participants expressed frustration with what they called a lack of clear understanding about basic journalism principals and reporting standards. On the same note, attendees said they were impressed with the degree of public support for the Afghan press.

“For the first time, the public accepts and supports the media because they are independent and able to express the truth and the views of the people,” one participant wrote.

Afghanistan had no functioning press when the Taliban were ousted from power in late 2001. For most of its history, Afghan media was state-run and the independent press was censored by various regimes.

Attendees said they were happy with government support for freedom of expression, but they complained about a lack of clarity in the media law and how authorities handle violations.

Journalists also expressed frustration with self-censorship and pressure by the authorities, including threats, harassment and intimidation.

One week after the seminar, the country’s National Security Department issued an unofficial directive of media restrictions, for example, calling on the media not to give coverage to insurgents and not to give bad press to the Afghan national army.

Participants said they would also like to see international assistance to develop copyright laws and more journalism training, including in the area of business development and management.

“This was a good seminar,” said Radio Sharq station manager Shafiqullah Shaiq. “I was glad to take part in planning with other media.”

The event was held at the American University of Afghanistan, who donated use of the premises in support of independent media in Afghanistan.
           
“The American University of Afghanistan was proud to be hosting an event that will contribute to the sustainability of Afghanistan’s independent media,” said Simon James, Director of the Professional Development Institute at the University.

Additional participants included donors and media development partners.

The results of the workshop will be compiled in a report format and will be made available publicly and for all Afghan media outlets.

FOR MORE INFORMATION:

Roya Aziz, Internews Afghanistan Business Development Coordinator