KABUL, Afghanistan — The Taliban are preparing to install radio transmitters in at least nine provinces as part of an effort to expand state-run media broadcasting aligned with their messaging, according to a source at the Taliban-controlled national television network.
The source, who spoke to Amu on condition of anonymity due to security concerns, said the initiative follows a directive from Taliban leader Hibatullah Akhundzada and is intended to disseminate what the Taliban describe as its “achievements,” as well as to publicize corporal punishments and counter opposition narratives.
“The goal is to promote Taliban achievements, publicize flogging and executions, and target those who speak against the Taliban,” the source said.
According to the source, the initiative began in Spin Boldak district of Kandahar Province and is being overseen by Yusuf Ahmadi, who serves as director of the Taliban-run radio and television authority.
The Taliban reportedly plan to use equipment from the national broadcaster under their control, as well as radio infrastructure left behind by NATO forces after the 2021 withdrawal.
The move comes amid continued restrictions on independent media in Afghanistan. Since the Taliban returned to power in August 2021, dozens of media outlets have been shut down, journalists have been arrested or intimidated, and content has been tightly censored — leading to what press freedom watchdogs have described as one of the most repressive media environments in the world.
International organizations have repeatedly called on the Taliban to uphold media freedom and allow independent journalism, but the Taliban have increasingly consolidated its control over information, promoting content that aligns with its religious and political ideology.
There has been no official public statement from Taliban authorities regarding the radio expansion plan.
