Development of the Media Sector in Aghanistan
Internews Program “Development of the Media Sector in Afghanistan”, began on 5 August 2005 and worked to increase the capacity of independent media in Afghanistan. A particular focus was given to the radio sector given its broad reach across the nation, in particular to impoverished provinces with low literacy levels. A range of development tools were used including classroom-based trainings, internships, mentoring, exchange of programmes, the establishment of a reference library with manuals and internet access for media professionals. A number of multiple-outcome training programs were delivered to achieve both skills development in journalism while also delivering on some critical civic education development goals. These training programs had a targeted focus on health, human rights, gender, drugs and democracy. The project targeted media professionals from across the country, not just Kabul, thus directly reaching about 45% of the Afghan population.
In addition to administering training sessions and continually adapting curricula and programmes to suit the sector’s needs, Internews Europe and Nai are working to support the sector as a whole through media advocacy, providing advice to professionals, and raising awareness of pertinent local issues.
Broadcasters from across the country, across ethnic, linguistic and gender barriers have built substantial production and newsgathering skills, the ability to make accurate, true and fair reportage in all issues affecting the communities they are in. The training also provided them an intellectual capacity to understand the issues and challenges of national development. Station managers have benefited from an understanding unified with that of the broadcasters and develop insights into the needs and desires of radio listeners. The multi-ethnic, co-educational training environment reinforced the sense of national unity already displayed by broadcasters and station managers.
Nai staff members have received support from Internews and been trained throughout the project. The co-management system which was established by the partners for the implementation of this project helped Nai greatly improve its management skills and methods and enabled it to perfect its understanding of European management and financial standards and procedures.
Trainees attended a variety of courses in the following subject areas:
• Technology: computer programming, editing, production, equipment maintenance, and electrical wiring;
• Journalism: writing journalistic articles (beginning and advanced), news and current affairs, and investigative journalism;
• Language, Education, and Civil and Human Rights: English language, Pashto language, human rights, gender equality, reproductive health, and general health programming; and,
• Management: business development and administration, and legal issues (i.e. media law and journalism ethics).
The training centre, composed of three classrooms, a computer lab equipped with 18 PCs, two radio studios, a resource library with Internet access, and a guesthouse for out-of-town trainees, is unique in the country.
The project partners also offer internships to students and local radio station employees as part of a radio exchange programme. The demand for internship opportunities is high among local radio station professionals in remote areas. Many now anticipate completing one-month internships at the Salam Watandar national radio programme studios in Kabul.
