KABUL (Pajhwok): Marking the National Journalists’ Day, the Afghan Independent Journalists Association (AIJA) has expressed concern over economic problems being faced by the country’s media, urging government’s support.
While emphasizing job security of journalists, the union has called for necessary measures to support freedom of expression and strengthen the media.
In a statement issued today (Monday, March 17), the union congratulated all journalists and media professionals on this day and stressed the importance of strengthening freedom of expression, access to information, and ensuring job security for journalists.
According to AIJA, there are currently 470 media outlets operating in the country, 12 of which are focused more on women in the central regions and provinces.
The union stated: “Currently, 4,001 men and 747 women are working in Afghanistan’s media, but unfortunately, half of these journalists, especially in the provinces, work without any benefits or salary.”
It said due to financial problems, the broadcasts of Radio Azad in Balkh and Radio Shahr Ba Shahr in Parwan have been temporarily suspended. However, seven new radio stations and one news agency have been established in the country during the ongoing year.
The statement added: “Compared to last year, the content of media has improved and become more educational and informative, reflecting the efforts of the media to raise citizens’ awareness.
However, even in the largest media outlets in Afghanistan, job security is not guaranteed, which poses serious threats to the job security and professionalism of journalists.”
The AIJA also described the creation of a “Journalists’ Support Fund” by the Ministry of Information and Culture as a positive step.
However, it emphasized that this fund should be managed in a way that ensures transparent, balanced, and fair support for journalists and media outlets.
The association has called for the establishment of job security for journalists, improved and expedited access to information, and greater government-media interaction. It also urged both domestic and international organizations to take effective and sustainable measures to practically support Afghanistan’s media and journalists.
Meanwhile, some journalists complained about economic difficulties and lack of access to information, calling for more government support for journalists.
Gul Ahmad Wahaj, a journalist, referring to the challenges related to access to information, said, “Spokespersons of ministries should provide information to journalists on time so that news and information reach the public promptly and to counter negative propaganda by biased media outlets.”
Shamsia Haidari, another journalist, said that in addition to economic problems and lack of job security, journalists are also facing challenges regarding access to information and urged government officials to provide accurate information to journalists in a timely manner.
On the occasion of National Journalists’ Day, Khabib Ghafran, a spokesman for the Ministry of Information and Culture, said that the situation of media in Afghanistan is improving and urged the media to continue their work within the framework of IEA policies while considering Afghanistan’s cultural and Islamic values.
March 17 is observed as National Journalists’ Day in Afghanistan, a date that was added to the national calendar in 2019. Every year, this day is commemorated with ceremonies held in Kabul and various provinces across the country.
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