Media System in Afghanistan:
Catalyst of Collapse or Social Change?
7th – 8th December 2023 / online
Programme
Programme Booklet (PDF)
Day 1 / 7th December 2023
10:00 – 10:10 am
Welcome and Presentation of the programme MPS-AFG
Prof. Dr. Patrick Donges, Dr. Kefajat Hamidi, Dr. Daniel Grabić
This lecture provides a comparative analysis of media systems, particularly in the Arab world, based on criteria informed by the historical, political, social and economic factors that influence a country’s media. Going beyond classic Western typologies of media systems, Arab Media Systems brings together the views of experts in the field of media in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) to provide valuable insights into the heterogeneity of media systems in this region. It focuses on trends in government attitudes towards the media, media ownership models, technological innovation, and the role of transnational mobility in shaping media structures and practices.
10:10 – 10:50 am
Keynote
Media Systems beyond the West
Prof. Dr. Carola Richter – FU Berlin
Media systems are often described and analyzed by using criteria developed in the Western hemisphere. However, applying these models and criteria to non-Western countries like Afghanistan often lead to unsatisfactory results. Using media systems in the Arab world as starting points, this key note shares some ideas on how to conduct meaningful media system analysis beyond the West.
10:50 – 11:30 am
Keynote
Charting Afghanistan’s Path Forward:
An Exploration of Political, Administrative, and Fiscal Systems
Dr. Timor Sharan – Author of Inside Afghanistan & Former Senior Policy Analyst CrisisGroup
Drawing upon the invaluable lessons gleaned from two decades of tumultuous democratisation experiences in the Islamic Republic and the failure of past political systems, I will discuss the quest for the most appropriate political, administrative, and fiscal systems tailored to Afghanistan’s unique needs. With a focus on nation-building objectives, enhancing national cohesion among Afghanistan’s diverse micro-societies, and empowering communities in the decision-making process, I will discuss the political and technical trade-offs and complexities within these systems.
Moreover, I will examine how the future political and administrative system can facilitate economic growth and employment opportunities. This talk seeks to provide not only an analysis of what is achievable but also offers valuable insights into the pathway forward for Afghanistan. Building upon my extensive professional background acquired during my tenure at the Independent Directorate of Local Governance for the Islamic Republic and drawing insights from diverse contexts, I aim to illuminate the strategic path that can lead Afghanistan towards a future characterised by greater stability and prosperity.
11:30 am – 12:10 pm
Keynote
Afghanistan Media Under Taliban:
Challenges and Opportunities
Barry Salaam – Senior Programme Officer for Afghanistan at USIP
In his keynote speech, Barry Salaam will explore Afghanistan’s independent media under Taliban rule. He’ll discuss the media’s struggle with scrutiny and censorship, yet its ability to continue as a semi-autonomous institution, upholding its past legacy of informing, educating, and advocating for the people.
12:10 – 1:30 pm
Break
1:30 – 3:00 pm
Panel
Media System of Afghanistan: How was/is it structured?
Moderator: Dr Hazrat Bahar
Guests:
Prof. Wazhmah Osman – Filmmaker and Associate Professor at the Klein College of Media and Communication at Temple University,
Lotfullah Najafizada – CO of Amu TV
Prof. Abdul Qahar Jawad – Professor at the Communication and Journalism School of Kabul University
After the collapse of the Taliban in late 2001, the media in Afghanistan witnessed unprecedented changes. Constitution (2004) and media law (2009) found a relatively free foundation. Hundreds of media outlets owned by various actors emerged. It was ‘generously’ supported by the international community. How was the system developed and structured regarding ownership, model, political parallelism, audience, and donors? What role the system play in the past two decades?
3:00 – 3:30 pm
Break
Coffee and cake
3:30 – 5:00 pm
Panel
Media Laws and Procedures in Afghanistan:
A Comprehensive Analysis from 2001 to Taliban Takeover
Moderator: Hamid Obaidi
Guests:
Abdul Mujeeb Khalvatgar – Former Director of Nai (Supporting Open Media in Afghanistan),
Sayd Jafar Rastin – Former Director of Publications for the Ministry of Information and Culture of Afghanistan,
Farida Nekzad – Founder of Center for the Protection of Afghan Women Journalists in Afghanistan
This discussion panel examines the development of media laws and procedures in Afghanistan between 2001 and August 2021, after the Taliban regime’s fall and its recent takeover of the country. The primary inquiry revolves around the changes in media laws and procedures after the Taliban’s fall and how these changes affected the media landscape.
What were the key milestones and challenges in developing media laws and procedures during this period, and how did they shape the media environment in Afghanistan?
In light of the recent Taliban takeover, what are the immediate and long-term implications for media laws and procedures in Afghanistan, and what challenges do journalists and media organizations face under the new regime?
8:00 pm
Dinner
Day 2 / 8th December 2023
10:00 – 10:10 am
Welcome
Dr. Kefajat Hamidi, Dr. Daniel Grabić, Prof. Dr. Patrick Donges,
10:10 – 11:40 am
Panel
The Role of Women in Media Leadership
Moderator: Laily Habib
Guests:
Najiba Ayubi – Former Director of Killid Group,
Murtaza Meraj – Former Program Officer for Media and Communications, Open Society,
Zahra Nader – Chief editor of Zan Times
The third panel will critically examine the role of women in media leadership and management in Afghanistan. According to various reports, the presence of women in the decision-making levels of the media has been insufficient or symbolic, even though it has been identified as a key objective by the international community.
Although the role of women in the decision-making levels of the media tended to be subordinate, some media outlets in Afghanistan were nonetheless run by women. In this discussion, we will ask the guests: Has it been possible for women to achieve leadership positions in the media? What obstacles have women faced in the media? The discussion will also look at the removal of women from the media after the fall of the Afghan government and the prospects for women working in the media.
11:40 am – 12:00 pm
Farewell
EC4SC