8 media outlets closed in Kunduz for economic reasons

KUNDUZ CITY (Pajhwok): Eight media outlets including seven radio stations and a TV channel have been shut down following political changes in the country.

AkmalRahmani, an official of Khawar TV channel in Kunduz, told Pajhwok Afghan News that currently only three of total 10 radio stations and one of total three TV channels were active in the province.

“These stations and channels were active before the regime change, but now they are shut due to economic issues,” he said.

JalilEhsas, head of Uranos TV channel, said that local media outlets were ceasing their activities due to economic problems.

“Media is in a bad situation, there are no projects, advertisements and income, so all media outlets have no way but to close activities,” he said.

Obaidullah Qazizada, director of Roshni TV channel, also said that he shut his TV channel due to economic issues.

“Dozens of people were working here and there were projects, advertisements and everything was going normal, but now there is nothing, we have nothing for TV expenses, we are obliged to close our channel,” he said.

HasibullahAssas, an employee of a local media in Kunduz, said that he was working for the media outlet without salary since last several months.

“The media outlet which I am working with has no financial resources, so they cannot give us salary, it is better than being jobless, we are here until we find another job,” he said.

A number of other media officials and journalists held similar views and asked the government to support media.

Kunduz information and culture director, MulaviMatiullahRohani, told Pajhwok that no one from the local media had complained to them.

“If they come to us, we will share their problems with Kabul officials, we will take action what they order us,” he said.

Media outlets in other provinces also complain about economic issues to continue their activities.

mds/ma