Taliban Suspends BBC FM Radio Broadcasts Across Afghanistan
The Taliban government in Afghanistan has stopped BBC broadcasts from FM radio stations across the country, citing "repeated violations" but not providing additional specifics. Since two US news outlets were prohibited in 2022, the BBC has been the only international news source in Afghanistan. The broadcaster emphasized that millions depend on its reliable reporting and is in discussions with officials to resolve the issue. The BBC still transmits in Pashto, Dari, and English through shortwave, medium wave, online, and satellite platforms, reaching over 20% of the adult population weekly, including educational content for girls barred from secondary education. Taliban spokesperson Khubaib Ghufran confirmed the suspension, underscoring the government's strict media oversight since regaining control in 2021.
Key facts
- Afghanistan's Taliban government suspended BBC FM radio transmissions across the country.
- A Taliban spokesman cited "repeated violations" without elaborating.
- The BBC has been the only international news organisation broadcasting inside Afghanistan since two US outlets were banned in 2022.
- The BBC said it continues reporting in Pashto, Dari and English on shortwave, medium wave, online and via satellite.
- BBC output reaches more than 20% of Afghanistan's adult population weekly, including educational programming for girls barred from secondary schools.
- Taliban Ministry of Information and Culture spokesman Khubaib Ghufran announced the suspension to local media.
- The Taliban government maintains a tight grip on media; music is not broadcast and women are less visible on screen than before the Taliban retook power in 2021.
- The BBC's Afghan service has been operating since 1981.
Entities
Artists
- Khubaib Ghufran
Institutions
- BBC
- Taliban
- Taliban Ministry of Information and Culture
Locations
- Afghanistan