The Taliban in Kunar, Nangarhar, Nuristan and Laghman provinces have pressured independent radio stations to dedicate programming on 15 August to promote pro-Taliban propaganda, local sources told Afghanistan International.
Media managers in the eastern provinces said they had been threatened with repercussions if they refused to comply. The Taliban’s Directorate of Information and Culture reportedly instructed outlets to invite analysts critical of the former government, use derogatory language to condemn the previous regime, and air only pro-Taliban content that day.
Sources said that while the Taliban operate their own media channels, they have ordered independent outlets to broadcast the group’s scripted programmes without payment. Promises of compensation made in the past were never honoured, forcing stations to cover the costs themselves.
Some outlets said they have little choice but to follow the directives or risk closure under various pretexts. In Nangarhar, the Taliban warned that failure to comply would result in restrictions on programming.
A journalist from eastern Afghanistan, speaking on condition of anonymity, said officials from the Directorate of Information and Culture frequently visit stations, review programme schedules, and make changes. He said such interference has severely disrupted editorial independence.
Last year, the Taliban ordered all private radio and television stations in Jalalabad to air only Taliban songs and content marking the group’s victory on 15 August 2021.
Since seizing power, the Taliban have celebrated 15 August as the anniversary of their entry into Kabul, calling it the “day of victory over the US occupation and its allies.”
