Afghan media law is undergoing reform but media groups in the country are concerned that this new law is another attempt to stifle press freedom.
Media groups believe that the revised law will limit foreign programs and also support Taliban principles, therefore promoting conservative groups.
"We are very worried. The press, freedom of speech and women will be sacrificed first," Hashmat Radfar, editor of daily paper Nukhost, told Reuters.
During the Taliban rule, only one newspaper and radio station were permitted to function in the country. Even though Taliban reign has ended, many journalists face threat and even death while reporting in Afghanistan, making it one of the most dangerous countries to work in.
The first media law of Afghanistan was passed in 2009 under President Hamid Karzai’s rule but critics say that it hasn’t improved the press situation in the country.
This new law which is still in draft stage looks at making the High Media Council, a 13-member body headed by the Culture Minister and including a religious scholar and civil society representatives, hugely responsible for the country’s media.
Many journalists and news organisations are not only rejecting the new law but in fact demanding reforms in the 2009 media law for better protection and transparency.
Jalal Norani, an advisor to the Culture Minister, dismissed accusations the government was seeking to satisfy conservative elements, adding: "We will work with journalists together to make a better law".
