TOLOnews: Navigating Journalism in Afghanistan
Launched in August 2010, TOLOnews established itself as a premier news outlet dedicated to local, national, and international coverage. Operating as a sister channel to TOLO TV, the network became a cornerstone of Afghan media, providing critical reporting during one of the most volatile periods in the country's history.
Key Facts
- Founded: August 2010.
- Ownership: Owned by Afghan Australian businessman Saad Mohseni via the MOBY Group.
- Leadership: Lotfullah Najafizada served as director of news from 2010 to 2021.
- Recognition: Lotfullah Najafizada was named a Press Freedom Hero by Reporters Without Borders in 2016.
- Current Status: Continues to broadcast under the Taliban regime with specific operational restrictions.
The Evolution of TOLOnews
For over a decade, TOLOnews operated as a leading source of information in Afghanistan. Under the leadership of Lotfullah Najafizada, the channel gained international respect for its commitment to journalistic integrity, leading to Najafizada's recognition as a Press Freedom Hero in 2016.
The landscape shifted dramatically on August 15, 2021, with the fall of Kabul and the establishment of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan by the Taliban. During this transition, TOLOnews drew global attention when a female journalist interviewed a Taliban spokesman, highlighting the tension between traditional reporting and the new regime's ideologies.
[ไม่มีภาพประกอบ]Operating Under the Taliban Regime
Despite the political upheaval, owner Saad Mohseni expressed a firm commitment to keep the network operational, even suggesting a move to Europe or the Middle East if forced out of Afghanistan. While the Taliban has allowed TOLOnews to continue broadcasting, the environment has become increasingly perilous for its staff.
Incidents of Violence and Detention
The network has faced several direct confrontations with the authorities. In August 2021, a cameraman was beaten by five Taliban soldiers while reporting on the fall of Kabul. Later, on March 16, 2022, fifteen gunmen stormed the Kabul studio, arresting chief of news Khapalwak Safi, reporter Bahram Aman, and legal advisor Nafi Khaliq. This raid followed a broadcast regarding the Taliban's ban on foreign television shows, which the regime claimed offended "religious sentiments." All three employees were eventually released.
The Role of Women in the Newsroom
TOLOnews continues to employ female journalists, though they must adhere to strict mandates. These include wearing the hijab (a traditional veil) and working in studios where curtains are used to separate men and women. Saad Mohseni has described the presence of women on air as a "canary in the coalmine," suggesting that as long as women are visible on television, they have not been fully silenced.
[ไม่มีภาพประกอบ]Current Challenges and Outlook
While Mohseni notes that the network can still cover most stories, the approach has changed. The channel now operates with less fanfare and must be cautious when criticizing authorities to avoid retaliation. The volatility of the environment persists, as evidenced by the Taliban's announcement on May 13, 2026, regarding the detention of political editor Mansoor Niazi and anchor Imran Danish on unspecified charges.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Parent Company | MOBY Group |
| Key Figures | Saad Mohseni (Owner), Lotfullah Najafizada (Former News Director) |
| Operational Constraints | Gender segregation in studios, mandatory hijab for women |
| Notable Incidents | Studio raid (March 2022), Journalist detentions (May 2026) |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who owns TOLOnews?
TOLOnews is owned by Saad Mohseni, an Afghan Australian businessman, through the MOBY Group.
How has the Taliban affected TOLOnews operations?
While the channel still broadcasts, it faces strict regulations, including gender segregation in the studio and the requirement for female staff to wear hijabs. The network has also experienced raids and the detention of its staff.
Why was Lotfullah Najafizada recognized by Reporters Without Borders?
He was named a Press Freedom Hero in 2016 in recognition of his work as the director of news for TOLOnews.
Can TOLOnews still criticize the Afghan government?
According to CEO Saad Mohseni, the network can still cover most stories, but they must be more careful in how they criticize the authorities compared to previous years.
What happened during the March 2022 studio raid?
Fifteen Taliban gunmen stormed the Kabul studio and arrested three employees—Bahram Aman, Khapalwak Safi, and Nafi Khaliq—after the channel reported on the ban of foreign television shows.