In brief
The Taliban has halted BBC FM transmissions across Afghanistan, citing repeated violations; this ends the only foreign radio service broadcasting in the country after U.S. outlets were banned. The BBC continues to deliver news via shortwave, medium wave, online and satellite, reaching over 20% of Afghan adults, also providing educational programming for girls. The move underscores the regime’s tight grip on media, curtailing music and restricting women’s on-air visibility.
BBC FM Radio Shut Down in Afghanistan
Afghanistan’s Taliban government has suspended the transmission of BBC broadcasts from FM radio sites across the country.
A Taliban spokesperson cited "repeated violations" as the reason, though further details were not provided.
The BBC has been the sole foreign news service operating in Afghanistan since U.S. outlets were banned in 2022.
The broadcaster maintains its commitment to delivering news in Pashto, Dari, and English via shortwave, medium wave, online, and satellite channels.
Weekly, the BBC reaches more than 20 % of Afghanistan's adult population, offering educational programs for girls barred from secondary schools.
The Taliban’s Ministry of Information and Culture announced the suspension, noting repeated infractions by the BBC.
Under the regime, media operations are heavily restricted: music is banned from broadcasts, and women cannot appear on air with men.
Social media remains partially available, but widespread electricity shortages, high costs, and low literacy rates limit access.
The BBC’s Afghan service has been operating since 1981.
