8am: The relationship between the Taliban and the media is defined by the interests of this group. During the Taliban’s first emirate, they shut down all visual, audio, and written media outlets, except for one or two Taliban-affiliated outlets like “Voice of Sharia,” to control public opinion. Even those who owned televisions and satellite dishes in their homes were forced to conceal them. In the area where we lived, during the initial period of Taliban rule, only one family, who provided the most lavish gifts and bribes to the governor and his personnel, was allowed to keep their satellite dish installed on their roof and watch television. The rest of the people had their televisions destroyed by the Taliban or had to hide them. Even in recent years, videos have been circulated showing Taliban fighters smashing radios and televisions. Some of their officials consider taking pictures and distributing them as forbidden and label photographers as sinners. However, in practice, this group benefits the most from the media in the country. All state-owned media outlets, whether visual, audio, or written, are under the control of the Taliban. After seizing power, they established several media outlets themselves, understanding the role of media in shaping public opinion and strengthening/weakening power. To reach a wider audience, Taliban media outlets such as Bakhtar News Agency, under the control of this group, are disseminated in Urdu, Arabic, English, and local languages. Additionally, Taliban officials, who theoretically consider photography a major sin, have flooded the media space and social networks with content from their group, including videos, images, texts, and infographics. Therefore, the Taliban’s relationship with the media is friendly as long as they promote the interests of this group, and sometimes they receive support. However, the media can become an enemy of the Taliban, and journalists may end up in prison for seeking the truth and portraying the true image of Afghanistan under Taliban rule, which is not what the Taliban want to be portrayed. Click here to read more (external link).