A survey conducted by Reporters without Borders(RSF), a non-profit organization and Afghan Independent Journalists Association(AIJA), shows a colossal change in the Afghan Media landscape since the Taliban Takeover.
The impact of the Taliban taking over the country's capital had an unfortunate effect on the scenario, according to the RSF and its partner agency. More than 231 media outlets have been closed since the power shift in the country.
5 out of 10 media outlets have succumbed to the Taliban rule. 70% of the Journalists are either unemployed or are unable to work despite having their jobs. Women journalists, however, are the most affected among all. The Taliban laid off 80% of women journalists since they took control over Kabul in August.
"Of the 543 media outlets tallied in Afghanistan at the start of the summer, only 312 were still operating at the end of November. This means that 43% of Afghan media outlets disappeared in three months," the RSF said in a statement.
A survey conducted almost Four months ago found that most Afghani provinces had at least ten privately-owned media outlets. But, as of today, many regions have zero to no local media.
According to the RSF, "There used to be ten media outlets in the mountainous northern province of Parwan, but now just three are functioning. In the western city of Herat (the country's third-largest) and the surrounding province, only 18 of the 51 media outlets are still operating - a 65 percent fall,"
"The central Kabul region, which had more media that anywhere else, has not been spared the carnage. It has lost more than one of every two media outlets (51%). Of the 148 tallied prior to 15 August, only 72 are still operating," it added.
Since the takeover, the Taliban had promised women's rights, media freedom, and amnesty to government officials in their first news conference. However, the situation in Afghanistan has been the complete opposite of what the Taliban had promised. Ex-government officials, Journalists, Activists, among others, have been a part of the Taliban's vindication. According to the reports, the Taliban militants continue to harass protesters, break off rallies, and suppress Journalists.
