Taliban to Convert State Television Stations into Radio Outlets

The Taliban is reportedly planning to convert state television stations into radio outlets following its ban on broadcasting images of living beings, Afghanistan International reported yesterday.

Sources indicate that staff from the national television network in Kabul and other provinces will likely be reassigned to the new radio stations, aimed at promoting the group’s policies and religious views.

One such station, “Radio Bayan-e Shomal,” will be renamed “Radio Hurriyat” and managed by the Taliban’s intelligence services. Additionally, a dedicated radio station for the Ministry of Interior and another for military forces are in the works. The Taliban also intends to cease operations of Afghanistan’s national television, replacing it with “Radio Shariat,” a prominent outlet during their previous regime.

Yusuf Ahmadi, head of national television under Taliban control, confirmed that the decision to halt television broadcasts was made by the leadership. This shift follows a recent statement enforcing a law banning images of living beings, already implemented in several provinces.