Building Independent Media in Afghanistan

Provinces	Badakhshan, Badghis, Baghlan, Balkh, Bamyan, Daykundi, Farah, Faryab, Ghazni, Ghor, Hilmand, Hirat, Jawzjan, Kabul, Kandahar, Kapisa, Khost, Kunar, Kunduz, Laghman, Logar, Nangarhar, Nimroz, Nuristan, Paktika, Paktya, Panjsher, Parwan, Samangan, Sari Pul, Takhar, Uruzgan, Wardak, Zabul
Program	Democracy & Governance (Promoting the free exchange of information and ideas vital to the democratic process)
Dates	April 2003 - September 2010
Partner	PACT
Website

OVERVIEW
A robust, independent broadcast media sector is an essential component of any thriving democracy.  USAID supports media development in Afghanistan to promote the free exchange of information and ideas vital to the democratic process and development of civil society. USAID is building the capacity of local, state, and independent broadcast media through technical support, equipment upgrades, hands-on training in balanced and accurate reporting, and development of Afghan media policy and a regulatory framework.

ACTIVITIES

• Network of radio stations – Strengthening the electronic media sector, as most Afghans receive news and information via radio.
• Radio programming and distribution – Supporting the production of independent, national radio programming that is broadcast to 36 radio stations for nine hours each day.
• Training for media professionals – Investing in young media professionals and students, as well as assisting lawyers and journalists in understanding and advocating for fair media regulation, freedom of expression, and access to information.
• Publications and alternative media – Supporting publications and alternative media programs, such as community theater, art shows, and the production of films and documentaries.
• Technical assistance – Building the capacity of local, state, and independent broadcast media, and developing media policy and a regulatory framework in partnership with the government.
• Policy reform – Facilitating policy dialogue on media law reform and providing technical support in the development of Afghanistan’s media broadcast law and the Election Media Code of Conduct.

RESULTS

• Supported 39 community-based, independent FM radio stations across the country.
• Established Salam Watandar, a national network of independent local radio stations airing accurate and locally produced news, current affairs, and educational and cultural programming.
• Reached more than seven million Afghans within Afghanistan via AM/FM broadcasting; shortwave transmission reaches all of Afghanistan and the diasporas.
• Established a network that distributes 400 radio programs produced by NGOs, independent media outlets, and USAID-supported stations to more than 80 media outlets throughout the country.
• Funded public interest radio programs, including award-winning children’s programming and programs highlighting civic education, women’s issues, and human rights.
• Distributed more than 40,000 radios to vulnerable populations, including rural women.
• Trained more than 3,000 male and female media professionals.
• Updated the journalism curriculum at six universities.
• Supported two national publications: Killid, a weekly magazine, and Morsal, a women’s monthly magazine.
• Provided printing support to a Kabul daily newspaper and to a university printing press.
• With the international community, supported the creation of the Government Media and Information Center (GMIC).

 

All Democracy & Governance activities