Taliban suspend Afghan women’s radio station for providing content to overseas TV channel

Taliban suspends Afghan women's radio station for unauthorized content, sparking backlash from rights groups and media advocates.

The Taliban's Information and Culture Ministry said Tuesday (February 4, 2025) that it suspended an Afghan women’s radio station, citing “unauthorized provision” of content and programming to an overseas TV channel.

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It’s the second time authorities have shuttered an outlet for allegedly working with foreign media.

The Ministry said Radio Begum violated broadcasting policy and improperly used its license. “This decision comes after several violations, including the unauthorized provision of content and programming to a foreign-based television channel," the ministry said, adding it will review all necessary documents to determine the station’s future.

Radio Begum launched on International Women’s Day in March 2021, five months before the Taliban seized power amid the chaotic withdrawal of U.S. and NATO troops.

The station’s content is produced entirely by Afghan women. Its sister satellite channel, Begum TV, operates from France and broadcasts educational programs that cover the Afghan school curriculum from seventh to 12th grade.

Rights groups, including Reporters without Borders, condemned Tuesday’s suspension and demanded it be reversed.