Years of war and neglect have taken a major toll on both the human resources and technical infrastructure of the Afghan radio and television sector. Journalists, production and programming staff need training and modern equipment if they are to provide Afghans with an inspiring source of information and entertainment.

There are currently 18 provincial government radio stations, plus a number of independent regional stations. On such independent station is Radio Sulkh, which operates in Jabal e Siraj, some two hours drive north of Kabul. Originally the radio station of General Masood, who was killed by a suicide bomber on 9 September 2001, the station is currently owned by Zachia Zaki. One issue of overriding concern for the government is who controls the programming in the provinces and how safe each station is from the possibility of dissident elements gaining control.

Under the new laws many licences have been granted to operate radio stations. The media NGO Internews, with support from US AID, has selected promising partners and is building 14 new community radio stations. The first one opened in Ghazni on 1 June 2003.

In 2002 French NGO AÏNA opened its Afghan Visual Communication Institute in Kabul. The Centre has since functioned as a training centre for journalists and has also supported the publication of numerous magazines. Financing will continue to be a problem, although the opening up of a market economy has created new opportunities for sponsorship. It is assumed that the NGO community will be among the first advertisers with their educational announcements. As signs for imported products already line the streets, it won’t be long before foreign companies too start advertising their wares on radio.

The Bonn Agreement does not mention freedom of expression, but the 1964 Constitution guaranteed freedom of expression subject to the law. However, the newest laws are vague and, notwithstanding Minister of Information and Culture Dr Sayed Makhdoom Raheen’s support for press freedom, the potential for abuse remains high. Admittedly there is a great need for national broadcasters to encourage unity and to educate the people about their rich cultural heritage, health issues and government policies, but recent fears that the current enlightened regime may not have strong control means that the future of a free media is uncertain.

A related issue of concern to NGOs such as the Institute for War and Peace Reporting (IWPR), the Institute for Media, Policy and Civil Society (IMPACS), and Article 19 is the security of journalists who have been threatened after writing articles about the conduct of those in power. Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch continue to monitor the situation. There is some concern regarding the response of the more traditional segments of society against this free media.