Overview

To support the sustainability of an independent, robust and energetic media landscape, the USAID-funded Afghanistan Media Development and Empowerment Project (AMDEP) strives to build the capacity of local independent media through technical support, equipment upgrades, hands-on training, and business development.  Implemented by the Internews Network, AMDEP strengthens the media sector by enabling enhanced civil society engagement on democracy and governance in Afghanistan; increasing access to information, education and forums for discussion and debate between citizens and government; and providing technical and policy advice to ministries responsible for media regulation.  AMDEP is also building a network of Afghan lawyers skilled in media law; engaging youth by fostering innovation outside the classroom; and, strengthening media institutions, networks, and associations by increasing media professionalism and standards of practice across Afghanistan.

Activities

Network of Radio and Television (TV) Stations: Strengthen and expand the network of independent radio and TV stations in underserved areas by increasing access to information, supporting quality production, and implementing financially sustainable models for media outlets.

Training for Media Professionals: Train media professionals and students, especially those outside of Kabul, and assist lawyers and journalists to understand and advocate for fair media regulation and freedom of expression.

Access to New Media and Innovation: Empower civil society, public voices, youth, and women by providing broad community access to multimedia resources.  

Media Institutions and Advocacy: Strengthen and expand existing media institutions as well as develop new associations and networks.  Encourage dialogue across the media industry and government to foster a platform for media advocacy and enhance media professionalism.

Technical Assistance: Build the capacity of independent broadcast media and provincial radio stations through direct technical assistance and support industry-wide facilities, such as media mapping tools and an independent media rating service.

Policy and Regulatory Reform: Facilitate dialogue on media and regulatory policy in partnership with industry and the Afghan Government, including direct technical advice on long-term media law and regulation strategy.

Accomplishments

• Expanded the network of independent provincial radio stations under Salam Watandar, a national radio service, to 53.
• Supported quality improvement of provincial TV, including content sharing between locally-owned stations in provincial and rural areas.
• Expanded the reach and impact of Nai provincial training hubs, formed the Nai Graduate Club alumni network, and launched the two year “Diploma in Media” at the Nai Media Institute.
• Established four Anaar Multimedia Centers in Herat, Mazar-e-Sharif, Jalalabad and Kandahar to provide training, production, and distribution platforms for citizens and civil society organizations.
• Strengthened media literacy and media law advocacy through radio dramas, media forums, legal training, and the establishment of the Media Law Committee and Moot Court program.
• Provided tailored capacity building and technical support to media-related ministries, including the completion of a licensing assessment and spectrum management training.
• Provided a forum for youth across the country to express themselves through art, poetry, photography, and a variety of new and traditional media tools through the Afghan Youth Voices Festival.