In their new media directive, the Taliban have banned all critical political discourse on air, requiring television and radio stations to obtain prior approval for show topics, guest speakers, and analyst commentary. The sweeping regulations, issued by the Taliban-run Ministry of Information and Culture, impose tight controls on what can be said, who can speak, and how political content is framed — across television, radio, print, and digital platforms.
Under the directive, titled Policy on the Management of Political Programs in Afghanistan, broadcasters face daily submission of proposed topics and guest lists to a newly formed Political Program Oversight Committee. Even pre‑approved speakers must be authorized again before each appearance. Analysts must hold identification cards issued by the Taliban’s Directorate of Broadcast Affairs and are barred from expressing any views that contradict official Taliban policy.
The Taliban justify the restrictions as necessary to preserve “Islamic principles,” promote national unity, and guard against divisions rooted in religion, ethnicity, or language. The directive outlines objectives that include preventing “propagandistic” content, encouraging factual reporting and positive framing of the government, and upholding respect for the Islamic Emirate.
Key provisions include:
Mandatory ID and vetting: All analysts must hold Taliban-issued credentials, must be evaluated for loyalty to national and Islamic values, and must avoid ties to foreign entities.
Content licensing and oversight: Emotional, sensational or unverified commentary is prohibited. Criticism of officials is allowed only if “respectful” and legally sound. Licenses can be suspended or revoked for violations.
Institutional accountability: The oversight committee will monitor all political programming, conduct legal reviews, issue regular reports, and enforce sanctions against non-compliant media outlets.
Platform breadth: The regulations apply to interviews, op-eds, livestreams, social media posts, and columnists — extending state control beyond broadcast to nearly all forms of public political discourse.
Under the rules, hosts and producers are held personally responsible for deviations from Taliban policy. Noncompliant outlets risk suspension or license revocation.
The Taliban frame the new rules as promoting “responsible journalism” in alignment with Sharia and national interests. But journalists and press advocates warn they constitute “state censorship in its clearest form.”
“This is not regulation — it is total control,” said one Kabul-based journalist who spoke on condition of anonymity. “Political debate has been reduced to Taliban-approved monologues.”
Since retaking power in August 2021, the Taliban have steadily dismantled independent media. Outlets have been shuttered, journalists detained, and women largely excluded from the industry.
Human rights organizations have urged the international community to pressure the Taliban to reverse these curbs and uphold freedom of expression. But so far, the regime appears intent on silencing public discourse.
