Amu TV is an independent satellite television channel owned and operated by Eye Media Group. The channel was launched on May 3, 2023, with the primary mission to inform, entertain, and educate Afghan society, providing a platform for independent and objective reporting amidst the challenging media landscape in Afghanistan.[1][2] With content in Farsi and Pashto languages, Amu TV aims to counter the restrictive media environment imposed by the Taliban, promoting press freedom, and supporting the rights of women and journalists.[2]
 | |
| Launch date | May 3, 2023 |
|---|---|
| Headquarters: | Virginia, United States |
Programming | |
| Language(s): | Farsi, Pashto |
| Picture Format: | HDTV |
| Area served: | Worldwide |
Ownership | |
| Owner(s): | Eye Media Group |
| Key people: | Lotfullah Najafizada, Sami Mahdi, Mujeeb Arez, Sharif Amiry, Karim Amini, Siyar Sirat, Hasiba Atakpal |
Services | |
| Services | Television, Online |
| Products | Broadcasting, Web Portals |
| Website: | https://amu.tv |
In a detailed profile of Amu TV by The Atlantic titled: Inside the Virginia Newsroom Trying to Save Afghanistan from Tyranny, Amu TV was described as "one of the most effective chroniclers of life under Taliban rule" due to its unique hybrid modus operandi.[3]
History
editFollowing the Taliban's takeover of Afghanistan in August 2021, the media landscape in the country has faced significant challenges, including censorship, persecution, and the shutdown of numerous media outlets. In response to these challenges, Eye Media Group launched Amu TV to continue providing independent news and entertainment to the Afghan population, both within the country and abroad.
Amu TV was founded by prominent journalists such as Lotfullah Najafizada[4] and Sami Mahdi, addressing the urgent need for diverse media content amidst severe media restrictions in Afghanistan.[5]
The name reflects the Amu Darya River, representing connection and resilience.[6] While headquartered in Virginia, the network collaborates with contributors in Afghanistan, Europe, and North America.
Content and programming
editAmu TV broadcasts a variety of content, including news, current affairs, entertainment shows, dramas, and music programs. The channel produces six hours of original content daily, which includes:
- News Bulletins: Daily news programs in Farsi and Pashto, covering domestic, economic, world, and sports news.
- Current Affairs Programs: Shows like "Mawj" and "Didban Kabul" offer in-depth analysis and interviews on significant issues.
- Entertainment Shows: Weekly programs such as "Gul Shanbe", "Yad Yaar Mehraban", "Jan-e Gap", and "Eso-Pas-Amoso" feature social media reviews and celebrity interviews.
- Dramas: Turkish dramas dubbed in Farsi and Pashto, providing cultural and entertainment content.
- Music Shows: Daily music programs, which are especially significant given the Taliban's ban on music in Afghan media.
| Category | Program | Schedule | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entertainment Programs | Gulshanba (گلشنبه) | Fridays | 9:00 PM |
| Eso Pas Amoso (ایسو! پس هموسو!) | Saturdays | 8:30 PM | |
| Jane Gap (جان گپ) | Saturdays, Sundays, Mondays | 8:00 PM | |
| Cartoon-Shaun the Sheep | Wednesday nights | 7:00 PM | |
| Turkish Drama | Daily | 2:00 PM & 7:00 PM | |
| Political Programs | Mawj (موج) | Monday to Thursday | 10:00 PM |
| Did Bane Kabul (دیدبان کابل) | Monday, Tuesday | 9:00 PM | |
| Farsi News | Daily | 8:00 PM | |
| Pashto News | Daily | 10:00 PM | |
| Tomorrow's Hope (امید فردا) | Monthly | 7:00 PM |
Digital presence
editAmu TV has a strong digital presence, complementing its satellite broadcasts. The channel operates robust accounts on platforms like YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, X, and TikTok, ensuring wide-reaching accessibility and engagement. Since their launch, the platform expanded significantly, producing thousands of stories and videos across multiple languages, reaching millions of users globally.
Impact and reach
editAmu TV channel's satellite broadcast reaches 19 million Afghans inside the country, and its digital platforms engage millions more worldwide. The content produced not only provides news and entertainment but also serves as a platform for dialogue and the promotion of women's rights.[7]
Recognition
editIn 2023, Amu TV received the Democracy Award from the National Endowment for Democracy (NED) on behalf of independent Afghan media for its efforts in promoting press freedom in Afghanistan.[8]
Challenges
editOperating in the current Afghan media environment presents numerous challenges, including the safety of journalists and financial constraints due to the Taliban's restrictions on independent media. Despite these challenges, Amu TV has managed to continue to provide a vital service to the Afghan population.[9]
References
edit- ^ "Beyond the Taliban's media censorship: the story of Afghanistan's Amu TV". International Journalism Festival. Retrieved August 19, 2024.
- ^ a b Chiu, Joanna (August 1, 2022). "Exiled Afghan journalists living in Toronto and Virginia launch independent news platform Amu TV". Toronto Star. Retrieved August 19, 2024.
- ^ "Inside the Virginia Newsroom Trying to Save Afghanistan from Tyranny". The Atlantic. Retrieved September 1, 2024.
- ^ "Lotfullah Najafizada". Atlantic Council. Retrieved August 20, 2024.
- ^ Lawson, Harvest Prude and Charlotte (May 4, 2023). "Covering Afghanistan in Exile". The Dispatch. Retrieved August 20, 2024.
- ^ "Beyond the Taliban's media censorship: the story of Afghanistan's Amu TV". International Journalism Festival. April 18, 2024.
- ^ Lawson, Harvest Prude and Charlotte (May 4, 2023). "Covering Afghanistan in Exile". The Dispatch. Retrieved August 20, 2024.
- ^ "2023 Democracy Award—Journalism: Afghan Independent Media". NATIONAL ENDOWMENT FOR DEMOCRACY. November 14, 2023. Retrieved August 20, 2024.
- ^ "Amu TV". Amu TV. Retrieved August 20, 2024.