Afghan Government Imposes Restrictions on Media Outlets
Following a recent gathering in Northern Mazar-e-Sharif province between the media and the acting government, the officials imposed further restrictions on media outlets instead of introducing a comprehensive roadmap.
During a gathering on Thursday, organized between the government and media in Mazar-i-Sharif, both sides expressed their views on the overwhelming challenges the media outlets are currently faced with.
“We have experienced limitations on media after the takeover of the current regime. Unfortunately, these restrictions will further push the media to the margin,” said Khawja Abdul Baseer Abid, head of a private media outlet in Balkh.
“The lack of a particular roadmap is a great challenge for the media to grow, therefore, the government should introduce a single policy that would fit with media and journalism,” stated Sayed Mohammad Yazdan, a local journalist.
Mohammad Younis Rashid, an executive of the Information and Cultural Affairs Department of Balk, acknowledged the existing challenges and said that the government is planning to formulate a proper direction for the media outlets.
The fragile media industry in Afghanistan had its golden days over the past two decades. Its components such as print media, publishing, news outlets, broadcasting (radio and television), digital media, and advertising experienced unprecedented growth, making it one of the most promising and independent industries in the region. However, with the current regime change, the media industry drastically faded. Hundreds of news agencies and media channels close their doors mostly due to financial and economic-related issues.
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