Afghanistan Times Daily : It is an independent, English newspaper since 2005 owned by Rana Think Tanks and published in Kabul.

Daily Outlook Afghanistan : the country’s first English language newspaper since 2004 from Kabul

The Kabul Times Daily : Owned by Government published from Kabul, It was established on 1962

Etilaatroz : Famous for In-depth Investigation , Founded by Zaki dariyabi in 2012 ,Office in Washington D.C.

The Daily Afghanistan : Persian newspaper

Arman e Mili : Another Persian newspaper

Khaama Press : An independent news agency in Kabul, offering extensive coverage on politics and security since 2010. A major English-language news source in Afghanistan.

Pajhwok Afghan News : Afghanistan’s largest independent news agency. Since its inception in 2004, it has become a crucial resource for coverage on Afghan affairs, focusing on objectivity and local reporting.

Bakhtar News Agency (BNA) : the official state news agency of Afghanistan, headquartered in Kabul. It provides news in multiple languages including Dari, Pashto, and English, covering a wide spectrum of domestic and international topics.

nunn.asia : digital news platform in Afghanistan. Aims to provide insightful analysis and reliable information to both local and international audiences.

Ariana News  :Leading broadcast and online news outlet in Afghanistan, delivering up-to-the-minute news coverage across a wide range of topics including politics, security, and economics. Known for its thorough and balanced reporting

Afghan Islamic Press (AIP)  : independent Afghan news agency founded during the Soviet occupation of Afghanistan in 1982.As in the past, Afghan Islamic Press is releasing credible and authentic news reports about every changing moment in Afghanistan, which makes it a focal point of international media organizations.

Afghanistan Sun  : This online platform specializes in integrating both local insights and broader international contexts, catering to readers interested in a comprehensive view of Afghan current affairs.

Tolo news : Afghanistan’s First 24-Hours News, Current Affairs, Business, Regional & World news Television Network. Established in 2010 , it broadcasts in Dari and Pashto on TV (TOLO TV, TOLO news) , and is available online and social media in English, Dari and Pashto.

8 Sobh  : also known as “8 AM,” is a leading newspaper in Afghanistan, offering in-depth articles and analysis on political, social, and economic issues. It is highly regarded for its investigative journalism and critical approach.

Jawedan  : Founded in 2007 offering in-depth coverage and analysis ,with focus on democracy, the rule of law, respect for human rights and promotion of cultural and political pluralism in Afghanistan

Wadsam  : woman owned and is Afghanistan’s #1 online business news source dedicated to covering economic developments, market trends, and investment opportunities within the country.

Afghan Voice Agancy (AVA)  : The first non-governmental media established after the fall of the previous Taliban rule with content available in multiple languages including Dari, Pashto, and English.

Kabul Press  : critical news source that highlights issues of human rights, offering investigative journalism.

Afghanistan Analysts Network  : An independent non-profit policy research organization. It aims to bring together the knowledge, experience and drive of a researchers, analysts and experts to better inform policy since 2009.

Sayah Online  : online platform since 2010, Provides the latest news and analysis

The Times of Central Asia  : Independent news portal that provides comprehensive coverage of political, economic, and cultural news across the Central Asian region countries like Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Afghanistan and Uzbekistan.

Sedaye America   : Sedaye America, also known as “Voice of America Persian,” is a U.S.-based broadcasting service that provides news, information, and cultural programming specifically targeted at Persian-speaking audiences.

Dari VOA   : U.S.-based broadcasting service specifically targeted at Dari-speaking audiences.

Rohi  : Rohi Media Center is a non-governmental and independent news outlet.

Afghanistan.ru  : It is a Russian-language news portal that provides comprehensive coverage and analysis of events in Afghanistan. It focuses on political, social, and economic developments and maintains a particular emphasis on Russian interests and perspectives in the region.

Pashto Newspapers/news sources

Zwak News  :  Afghan news outlet based in Pashto and English languages from Kabul, Afghanistan.

Pashto VOA  : U.S.-based broadcasting service specifically targeted at Pashto-speaking audiences.

BBC World Service : Pashto   : The BBC World Service in Pashto provides news, analysis, and cultural programming targeted at Pashto speakers primarily in Afghanistan and Pakistan.

Tolafghan  : Provides news, articles, and forums in Pashto, focusing on a wide array of topics important to the Afghan diaspora and Pashto-speaking communities.

Larabar  : Focuses on delivering news and cultural content in Pashto

Benawa online pashto world  : online news platform in pashto

Dawat Media  : Multi-platform media organization focused on delivering comprehensive news, information, and entertainment content.

Afghan Online Press  : provides updated daily news on Afghanistan

Sabawoon  : Sabawoon is an independent social, cultural, and political publication, which provides factual and non-biased information about issues pertaining to the national interests of Afghanistan, both in Pashto and in English.

Ariaye  : Ariaye is an online news and cultural portal that offers content primarily in Dari and Pashto

Eslah Online : news portal that publishes content in Dari

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Overview of Afghanistan’s Newspapers

Afghanistan’s media landscape has undergone significant transformations over the past few decades. The rise of newspapers in Afghanistan marked a crucial development in the nation’s media sector, beginning more prominently after the fall of the Taliban in 2001. This period saw a flourishing of free press with numerous publications sprouting across the country, ranging from daily to weekly newspapers, published in multiple languages including Dari, Pashto, and English.

Major newspapers like Hasht-e Subh, Afghanistan Times, and Pajhwok Afghan News provide a mix of national and regional news, political analysis, and community stories. These newspapers play a critical role in informing the public, offering a platform for debate, and acting as watchdogs of democracy.

Complete Media profile of Afghanistan

Media Outline

Aspect	Details
Media Types	– Television – Radio – Print (newspapers and magazines) – Online news portals
Key Media Outlets	– Tolo TV – Ariana TV – Shamshad TV – Radio Television Afghanistan (RTA) – Khaama Press
Ownership	– Mix of state-owned and private entities. – Significant influence of foreign funding in some outlets.
Regulation	– Regulated by the Ministry of Information and Culture. – Media Law revised and enacted in recent years.
Freedom of Press	– Historically variable, often restricted.
Challenges	– Economic constraints impacting operational capacities. – Limited internet penetration and digital divide affecting online media.
Language	– Predominantly Dari and Pashto. – Some outlets offer content in English.
Internet Accessibility	– Limited, with significant rural-urban divide. – Internet censorship prevalent.
International Influence	– Significant role of international organizations in media development and funding.
Recent Developments	– Shifts in media freedom and operations.

Complete Media Profile

1. Introduction to Afghan Media

• In Afghanistan, media serves as a vital societal pillar, crucial for disseminating information, supporting democracy, and providing education, particularly in areas underserved by traditional schools. It acts as a voice for marginalized communities, fostering visibility for social justice causes and helping to preserve the nation’s rich cultural heritage.
• Media also contributes to economic growth through advertising and employment, aids in crisis communication, and promotes social cohesion by encouraging dialogue among diverse groups.
• Despite facing significant challenges , Afghan media has demonstrated remarkable resilience, adapting to both technological advancements and shifting political landscapes.
• It remains an essential force for advocacy, education, and the promotion of peace and democracy in Afghanistan.

2. Historical Context

• Early Beginnings: Afghanistan’s media journey began in the early 20th century with the publication of the first newspaper, “Seraj-ul-Akhbar” (Lamp of the News), in 1911. This publication was instrumental in fostering a new political consciousness among Afghans. However, its lifespan was short due to political sensitivities.

• Radio Kabul: The introduction of radio in 1925 marked a significant development, with Radio Kabul becoming a central tool for government communication and public education. It was the primary source of news and entertainment and played a critical role in unifying the diverse linguistic and ethnic groups across the country.

• Television and Expansion: Television broadcasting began in 1978, initially as a means to propagate government initiatives but gradually included a wider array of programming. This period saw the media being used increasingly as a political tool, particularly during successive regimes.

• Conflict and Suppression: The Soviet invasion in 1979 and the subsequent civil conflicts led to significant setbacks for media freedom. Media outlets were either tightly controlled by the state or used as propaganda tools by various warring factions. The period was marked by heavy censorship, intimidation, and violence against journalists.

• Taliban Era: The Taliban’s rise to power in 1996 brought about one of the darkest periods for Afghan media. All forms of entertainment television and cinema were banned, and media was restricted to disseminating Taliban propaganda. The only radio station allowed was the Voice of Sharia, which broadcasted Islamic programming and Taliban decrees.

• Post-2001 Resurgence: The fall of the Taliban regime in 2001 unleashed a media boom driven by foreign aid and a renewed sense of freedom. Numerous private media outlets sprang up, including television and radio stations, newspapers, and magazines. This era also saw the rise of digital media, with the internet and mobile phones becoming increasingly accessible.

• Diverse and Dynamic: From 2001 onwards, Afghan media thrived, becoming one of the most dynamic sectors in South Asia. The media landscape featured everything from 24-hour news channels to reality TV shows, including the popular “Afghan Star” – a music competition akin to Western formats like “American Idol”.

3. Growth and Development

• Proliferation of Media Outlets: Over a hundred radio stations, several national and many local TV stations, and numerous print publications emerged.
• Emergence of Digital Media: Internet penetration has been slow but steady, with social media becoming an increasingly important news source.
• Role of International Support: Entities like USAID and European broadcasters provided crucial support, including funding and training for journalists.

4. Media Diversity and Content

• Media in Afghanistan offers a mix of news, entertainment, and cultural programming, with efforts to cater to various ethnic and linguistic groups.
• Media has also played a role in educational broadcasting, particularly in regions with limited access to formal education.

5. Participation and Influence

• Role of Women: Women have increasingly participated in media, though they face significant societal and professional challenges.
• Youth Involvement: Young Afghans have been pivotal both as consumers and producers of media content, often driving the popularity of digital media.

7. Regulatory Environment

• The Afghan government has set up regulatory bodies such as the Afghan Media Regulatory Authority (AMRA), but their effectiveness and impartiality are often questioned.
• Laws are in place to protect media freedom, although their enforcement is inconsistent.

8. Future Prospects

• The international community’s role and support from Afghan diaspora media will be crucial in keeping the spirit of independent media alive.

9. Conclusion

• The media landscape in Afghanistan has experienced significant growth and challenges.

This exploration outlines the dynamism and resilience of Afghan media, while also acknowledging the precariousness of its current situation and the critical role it plays in Afghan society.