I was really fascinated by the visiting Afghan radio producers in the Humphrey seminar class yesterday from Afghan Media Management and Entrepreneurship Program.
Some quotes from the producers that I wanted to highlight
- “We should get public opinion about freedom of media, once they understand the importance of it, they will support it.”
- “With time, government will bow to pressure of people and they will agree with us. The most important thing is to work with people.”
- “Professionalism and patience is needed.”
I’m really encouraged and hopeful that the state of
media in Afghanistan will become more efficient, free and
sustainable after hearing the passion and enthusiasm from
our guests to garner grassroots support and growth. They
have so much more to deal with in their country with the
current unstable government, conflict and lack of resources
supporting the media institutions.
The most serious issue they brought up that I am concerned
about is if the financial and administrative support from
the international community leaves, what ways can Afghans
sustain their business? This is a problem in all societies
dependent on aid and we have to decide what role we will
play in slowly transferring ownership. It even reminds me of
our country’s plan to drawdown troops. If military
intervention is not there, then at least the democratic
values of free press and speech will remain and plant the
seeds for a more stable, democratic environment.
