Fast Facts RFE/RL's Radio Azadi is the leading media outlet in Afghanistan today, reaching 50 percent of the Afghan population across the country with its radio and Internet programs. Languages: Pashto, Dari Coverage: 12 hours daily Established: 1985, resumed 2002 Distribution: Radio (FM, SW, and Satellite), Internet (www.azadiradio.org) Locations: Prague headquarters, Kabul bureau Staff: 36 (Prague), 45 (Kabul), approximately 100 stringers throughout the country Audience: 7.9 million weekly, 45.3% market share

Media Environment

• Freedom House Freedom of the Press Index, 2010: Not Free (165th/196)
• Reporters Without Borders Press Freedom Index, 2009: 149th/175
• Journalists in Afghanistan are under constant threat of intimidation from warlords, the Taliban, and other extremists. Attempts have also been made to tighten media control in the name of “respect for Islamic values.” Concurrently, the number of private television and radio stations has grown in Afghanistan, leading to increased competition among media operating in the country.

History

• Radio Free Afghanistan (known locally as "Radio Azadi") first aired across the country from 1985-93, following the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan.
• The current incarnation of Radio Azadi went on the air in January 2002 following the ouster of the Taliban by U.S.-led forces.
• Radio Azadi has become the most popular radio station in the country and produces a variety of programming -- from special programs for youth and women to political satires and music and literary programs.
• Radio Azadi is noted for its numerous programs on women's rights and on the establishment and function of democratic institutions. Radio Azadi conducted a joint seminar with Kabul University's School of Journalism on “Media and Democracy."
• In May 2002, U.S. First Lady Laura Bush addressed the people of Afghanistan in a speech delivered from the Prague headquarters of RFE/RL. In particular, she noted improvements in the lives of the country's women and children. "I'm confident Afghanistan can build a future of peace and freedom, and America will be your friend and partner in achieving it," she said.

 

Highlights

• Radio Azadi maintains its lead as the #1 media outlet in Afghanistan.
• The Library of Congress in Washington, D.C. recently launched a new exhibit showcasing some of the thousands of handwritten scrolls and letters sent by listeners. One listener said: “It’s difficult to have a day without Radio Azadi. I have five radios. One in the living room, one in the bedroom, one in the hall, one in the car, and one in the workplace.”
• Recent awards: David Burke Distinguished Journalism Award for “enormous courage in continuing to deliver the news to their fellow citizens”; two National Union of Journalists of Afghanistan awards for aiding the reconstruction of Afghan society through balanced and objective reporting and Afghanistan Chamber of Commerce and Industries award for excellence in reporting.
• In the run-up to Afghanistan’s presidential elections in 2009, Radio Azadi hosted a historic presidential debate featuring President Hamid Karzai and two of his leading contenders. It was Afghanistan’s first-ever debate to feature an incumbent president and was televised on Afghan national TV.
• In 2009, U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton responded to questions submitted by listeners in Afghanistan during an interview in Radio Azadi's studios in Prague.
• In 2008, the Taliban abducted a Radio Azadi reporter for 3 days. Fortunately, through effective planning with the help of family and tribes, Radio Azadi succeeded in obtaining his release unharmed.

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Population
29 million (World Bank estimate, 2009)

Most Common Languages:
Dari, Pashto, Uzbek, Turkmen, Balochi

Press Freedom Index (Freedom House):
Not Free, ranked 165 out of 196 (2010)

Press Freedom Index (RSF):
149 out of 175 (2010)

Corruption Index (Transparency Int.):
176 out of 178 (2010)

Global Peace Index (IES):
147 out of 149 (2010)

Human Rights Watch:
Report on Afghanistan (2010)

Amnesty International:
Afghanistan Report (2009)