Crippling economy closing Afghan media outlets

Media support organizations and media activists warned on Monday that financial problems and restrictions are having an enormous impact on the Afghan media.

This comes after reports emerged that at least half of all Afghan media organizations have shut down, mainly due to financial problems.

In addition, a large percentage of journalists and media workers have not been paid for at least two months.

Nai Supporting Open Media in Afghanistan said the lack of financial resources has affected hundreds of journalists.

“Following the IEA takeover in Afghanistan, some media closed down while others have complained about (restrictions on) access to information,” said Nasir Noori, a member of Nai.

“When we try to continue our journalistic affairs, we have few information sources. We call on the IEA to provide sources for the media,” he said.

Some media outlets have continued to operate despite facing serious financial constraints.

“All journalists in Faryab province are jobless. Journalists’ activities are being restricted,” said Nabil Niyaish, a journalist.
“The media has financial problems in Zabul. Some media organizations have remained open but might close down because there are no advertisements,” said another journalist.
Media and freedom of speech has been a major achievement in Afghanistan in the past 20 years, but the future for this sector is uncertain.
IEA officials meanwhile said they will help resolve problems regarding the financial situation in the long term.

“We will try our best to create a market for the media. It will be beneficial for the media,” said Inhamullah Samangani, a member of the IEA’s cultural committee.
Recently, Afghanistan’s journalist union said that 70% of media outlets have closed down in Afghanistan in recent weeks and more face closure unless the international community provide help.