Rory Stewart Meets Saad Mohseni - The Fight for a Free Press in Kabul
Nov 29, 2024
auto_awesome
In this insightful conversation, Saad Mohseni, CEO of Moby Group, shares his journey building Afghanistan's largest media company amidst immense challenges. From establishing a radio station in a post-Taliban landscape to advocating for a free press, he reflects on the resilience of Afghan journalists. The discussion highlights the struggles faced by women in media under Taliban rules and the evolving dynamics of media in authoritarian contexts. Mohseni’s personal anecdotes reveal a hopeful narrative, illustrating the power of journalism in times of despair.
Saad Mohseni's journey from investment banking to founding Moby Group highlights the vital role of media in post-war Afghan society.
The evolution of Moby Group underscores the tension between progressive media initiatives and conservative societal norms in Afghanistan's turbulent environment.
Despite facing challenges from the Taliban, the importance of education and female representation in media remains a crucial topic for Afghan resilience.
Deep dives
Saad Massani's Journey and the Formation of Moby Group
Saad Massani recounts his unusual journey from investment banking to establishing a radio station in post-war Afghanistan, which eventually led to the formation of the Moby Group. This media enterprise expanded its reach throughout the Middle East and Central Asia, evolving into a crucial source of information and entertainment in the region. Massani discusses how this transformation from a singular radio station to a media empire was spurred by the needs of a society emerging from conflict. He also reflects on the contrast of his upbringing and the significant changes in Afghanistan's political landscape over the years.
Cultural Context of Kabul in the 1970s
Massani provides a vivid portrayal of 1970s Kabul, describing it as a vibrant city poised between monarchy and burgeoning nationalism. With a growing middle class and a population of around 300,000, Kabul was a hub of cultural and educational development before political turmoil escalated into violence. The sudden coup that coincided with his twelfth birthday marked a significant turn in his life, evoking feelings of fear and loss during a time when the idea of violence was foreign to him. This formative experience not only shaped his childhood but also left an indelible mark, associated with a time of great hope that would soon turn to uncertainty.
Return to Afghanistan Post-9/11
After years away, Massani returned to Afghanistan in 2002, motivated by a desire to contribute to the country's rebuilding efforts. Encouraged by key figures in the new Afghan government, he and his siblings initiated a radio project that quickly captured public interest, despite facing opposition from conservative factions. The station's success was fueled by its diverse programming, including music and lively discussions, which resonated with a populace hungry for engagement and entertainment. However, the station's controversial nature highlighted the tensions between progressive ideals and the conservative inclinations within Afghan society.
Navigating Media Under Taliban Governance
Facing the re-emergence of the Taliban and ongoing governmental scrutiny, Massani discusses the challenges of running a media network in present-day Afghanistan. The Taliban's complex structure leads to variances in governance that affect media operations, creating a tug-of-war between their restrictive decrees and practical behaviors in urban centers. Despite the possible risks, there remains a valuable dialogue around education and female representation in media. The operation of his network illustrates a fragile balance of continuing essential services and facing the realities of an authoritarian regime.
The Role of Media in Fragile Environments
Massani emphasizes the importance of media as a tool for communication and societal engagement in fragile environments, asserting that its influence extends beyond mere news coverage. In Afghanistan, media serves as a crucial lifeline, providing education and addressing critical issues despite existing prohibitions and censorship. He acknowledges that the future is unpredictable, particularly regarding relationships with the Taliban's leadership and potential reforms. Nevertheless, the media's role in Afghanistan remains vital, as it informs public opinion and fosters dialogue amid ongoing socio-political instability.
In the Kabul offices of Moby Group, Afghanistan's largest media company, hundreds of men and women continue to bring programmes and news to the country even after the return of the Taliban. From talk shows to breaking news to educational programmes for young girls, the television empire that began as a small radio station continues to brave the country's shifting political landscape.
Now Moby's CEO Saad Mohseni joins Rory Stewart to reveal the dedication and complexity of maintaining a free press, and traces his own journey in the wider history of Afghanistan in peace and in war. Exploring a nation in turmoil, a country poised between despair and hope, Saad reveals a moving portrait of the Afghan people and illuminates how resilience remains.
