Huffington Post, 30 Jan 2013, Michael Calderone: "By supporting Afghan media, the U.S. also helps ensure that its policy positions aren’t missing from coverage of and debate over the war and continued presence of troops in the country. The U.S. has funded foreign media before, most notably in broadcasting Radio Free Europe and Radio Liberty into Soviet-occupied countries during the Cold War. Because there isn't a thriving advertising market or potentially large subscriber base in Afghanistan, news outlets have often relied on foreign aid for support. But as coalition forces prepare to withdraw troops in 2014, Afghan journalists are concerned that international funding could also dry up, potentially reversing the upward trajectory of their industry since the Taliban was toppled. ... Since 2002, USAID and the State Department have supported numerous media projects in Afghanistan, such as the Salam Watandar radio network, which includes 53 independent FM radio stations, and Tolo TV and Arman FM, the most popular TV and radio stations."

Khaama Press, 29 Jan 2013, Sajad: "[L]ack of reading culture specifically newspapers has paved the way for majority of Afghans to listen programs and news broadcasted by various radio stations which can be accessed easily by ordinary Afghans. Among the various radio stations which are actively operating in Afghanistan is Jawanan (Youth) FM which is being operated by a group of young Afghan women. Youth FM is broadcasting 24/7 that broadcasts news, entertainment, music, literature and social programs. ... Previously Afghan media consumers were receiving news via the BBC Pashto and Persian services, as well as the Voice of America on medium- and short-wave broadcasts from neighboring countries. The Taliban had its own medium-wave religious broadcasts out of Kabul and major cities, on antiquated Soviet-era transmitters." -- "Previously"?