In brief
Afghanistan’s Taliban government has abruptly stopped BBC FM broadcasts across the country, citing ‘repeated violations’ without detail. The BBC remains the only international outlet operating inside Afghanistan, reaching over 20% of the adult population with news in Pashto, Dari and English. The suspension follows the Taliban’s strict media controls, including bans on music and limited visibility for women on television. While the BBC continues to broadcast on shortwave, medium wave, satellite and online platforms, the shutdown underscores the mounting press restrictions in the country.
BBC Radio Services Suspended by Taliban Across Afghanistan
Afghanistan’s Taliban government has stopped the transmission of BBC broadcasts from FM radio sites across the country.
A Taliban government spokesman said the BBC had been suspended because of “repeated violations” but did not elaborate. The BBC has been the only international news organisation to broadcast inside Afghanistan since two U.S. outlets were banned in 2022.
“Millions of people across Afghanistan rely on the BBC for accurate news and information and we are working with the authorities to address the situation,” the broadcaster said in a statement.
The BBC said it is “continuing to report fairly and independently in Pashto, Dari and English to our audiences in Afghanistan, on shortwave and medium wave radio, online and via satellite”. It reaches more than 20% of the adult population each week with news and educational programming aimed at girls who have been banned from secondary schools.
Taliban Ministry of Information and Culture spokesman Khubaib Ghufran told local media: “Due to some repeated violations by the BBC media outlet, it is decided that for the time being its activity is suspended across the country.”
The Taliban government maintains tight control over media, banning music and limiting the visibility of women on television. Women no longer appear on air together with men. Social media remains accessible but is hindered by widespread electricity shortages, high costs and low literacy rates.
The BBC’s Afghan service has been operating since 1981.
