Media Confidential Saad Mohseni: The tycoon and the Taliban
Jan 27, 2025
Saad Mohseni, the visionary behind Moby Group and author of "Radio Free Afghanistan," shares insights on reshaping Afghanistan's media landscape. He reflects on his journey from banking to founding a media empire post-Taliban. The discussion highlights the cultural revival sparked by 'Afghan Star' amid ongoing censorship challenges. Saad also addresses the resilience of independent journalists and the complex realities for women in Afghanistan today, all while navigating the intricate dynamics following the Taliban's return.
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Afghan Star
- Saad Mohseni launched "Afghan Star," similar to "American Idol," in 2005.
- It revived Afghanistan's music scene and allowed audience voting via text, but faced criticism for its modern format and female contestants.
Afghanistan's Transformation
- Afghanistan's population doubled since 2001, with a median age of 18.
- Most Afghans don't remember the previous Taliban era, highlighting significant societal changes.
Accidental Media Mogul
- Saad Mohseni's media career began accidentally after returning to Afghanistan.
- He started a small radio station that grew into a TV network, driven by the country's hunger for media.
