Press Statement

Statement of the AIJU on the Occasion of March 17 – National Journalists’ Day

17 Mar, 2025

We commemorate March 17, National Journalists’ Day, at a time when journalists and media in Afghanistan are facing severe economic and professional challenges. Nevertheless, committed journalists in this country continue their mission of information dissemination, public awareness, and reflecting the realities of society with unwavering dedication.

The Afghan Independent Journalists Union congratulates all journalists and media workers on this occasion and emphasizes the importance of strengthening freedom of expression, access to information, and ensuring job security for journalists.

The Media Landscape in Afghanistan

According to the Union’s data, currently 470 media outlets are active in the country, including:

· 84 television networks (national and local)

· 275 radio stations

· 59 news agencies

· 52 print publications (mostly state-run, with few independent print outlets)

Among these, 12 media outlets in Kabul and the provinces focus primarily on women. These figures demonstrate that women continue to play an active role in the country’s media sector.

Improved Media Content and the Role of Media in Awareness

Compared to the previous year, media content has improved and taken on more educational and instructional aspects. This trend reflects the efforts of media outlets to enhance public awareness and knowledge.

The Afghan Independent Journalists Union hopes that this progress continues and that media will play an even greater role in enlightening and educating society through richer content.

The Situation of Journalists and Employment Challenges

Currently, 4,001 men and 747 women are working in Afghan media. Unfortunately, half of these journalists—especially in the provinces—work without any benefits or salaries. Even in the country’s largest media organizations, job security is not guaranteed, placing the professional and financial stability of journalists under serious threat.

New Media Outlets and Those That Have Closed

Due to financial difficulties, Radio Azad in Balkh has ceased broadcasting, and Shahr ba Shahr Radio in Parwan has temporarily suspended its operations. These cases highlight the intense economic pressure on local media outlets.

However, despite the economic challenges, several new media outlets were established in 1403 (2024-2025), including:

1. Ehsas Zagh Radio – Kandahar

2. Narenj Radio – Nangarhar

3. Angiza Radio – Khost

4. Surobi Radio – Kabul

5. Sta Radio – Helmand

6. Nuristan Radio – Parun, Nuristan

7. Afagh News Agency – Kabul

8. Etefaq-e-Nawin Radio – Nangarhar

Access to Information and Government Interaction with Media

The Afghan Independent Journalists Union has made efforts to improve media engagement with government entities. In this regard:

· The Access to Information Department of the Ministry of Information and Culture, the Ministry of Interior, and the Government Media and Information Center have launched various programs aimed at enhancing access to information and improving spokespersons’ interactions with the media.

· The leadership of the Ministry for the Promotion of Virtue and Prevention of Vice has held three coordination meetings with media managers and journalist-support organizations to facilitate further dialogue.

While these initiatives have contributed to some improvements, they remain insufficient, and more comprehensive reforms and decisive actions are needed.

Additionally, the Media Violations Commission has grown stronger over the past two years and has begun to establish itself as a credible body for addressing media complaints. The Union hopes this institution will be further strengthened in 1404 (2025-2026).

Support for Journalists and the Outlook for 1404

The Afghan Independent Journalists Union has set out serious plans for the professionalization of journalism and has dedicated 1404 to this effort.

At the same time, the Ministry of Information and Culture has taken steps to establish a “Journalists’ Support Fund”, which the Union considers a positive development. However, the fund must be managed transparently, equitably, and fairly to ensure genuine support for journalists and media outlets.

Demands and Emphases of the Afghan Independent Journalists Union

1. Establish job security for journalists through guaranteed salaries and financial benefits.

2. Improve and accelerate access to information and promote more open government engagement with the media.

3. Ensure fair and balanced distribution of international aid to media outlets to prevent shutdowns and journalist unemployment.

4. Provide practical support to journalists and media organizations, especially independent and local outlets.

In conclusion, the AIUJ once again reaffirms its commitment to defending the rights of journalists and media. Despite economic challenges, Afghan journalists and media remain dedicated to transparent, impartial, and responsible reporting.

The AIJU calls on national and international organizations to take effective and sustainable actions to support Afghanistan’s media sector and its journalists.

Afghan Independent Journalists Union 27 Hoot 1403 / March 17, 2025