On January 30, Salam Watandar, Internews Network radio, launched its new Pashto-language service, targeting audiences in the south and southeast of the country.  Since the majority of Afghans receive their news and information from radio, the introduction of expanded Pashto programming is essential to reach a broader audience. 

The service offers daily news, current affairs, and cultural programming in two 90-minute blocks from 7-8:30 am and from 6-7:30 pm.  The program line-up includes Pashto versions of other popular Salam Watandar programs; sports, religion, poetry, local culture, and government affairs programs; as well as “Bakhabar” (“Look Out”), a popular current affairs show.  In addition, the program offers hourly Pashto news bulletins throughout the day. 

Aashiqullah Yaqub headed up Salam Watandar’s recruiting effort to find local Pashto-speaking journalists and producers to produce the show.  “The launch of the new channel marks a milestone in our effort to expand our audience reach,” Yaqub says.  “Calls on live programs have jumped from Pashto-speaking parts of the country.”

The new Pashto channel is offered as an optional service to Salam Watandar’s network of 40 partner stations, which reaches 60 percent of the Afghan population.  As of February 5, 11 stations in nine provinces have switched to the new service, and three others are either airing the programs on alternating days or broadcasting selected programs.