| Amu Television تلویزیون آمو | |
| Label1: | Launch date |
| Data1: | 03 May 2023 |
| Label2: | Headquarters: |
| Data2: | Virginia, United States |
| Header3: | Programming |
| Label4: | Language(s): |
| Data4: | Farsi, Pashto |
| Label5: | Picture Format: |
| Data5: | HDTV |
| Label6: | Area served: |
| Data6: | Worldwide |
| Header7: | Ownership |
| Label8: | Owner(s): |
| Data8: | Eye Media Group |
| Label9: | Key people: |
| Data9: | Lotfullah Najafizada, Sami Mahdi, Mujeeb Arez, Sharif Amiry, Karim Amini, Siyar Sirat, Hasiba Atakpal |
| Header10: | Services |
| Label11: | Services |
| Data11: | Television, Online |
| Label12: | Products |
| Data12: | Broadcasting, Web Portals |
| Label13: | Website: |
| Data13: | https://amu.tv |
Amu TV is an independent satellite television channel owned and operated by Eye Media Group. The channel was launched on May 3rd, 2023 with the primary mission to inform, entertain, and educate Afghan society, providing a platform for independent and objective reporting amidst the challenging media landscape in Afghanistan.[1] [2] With content in Farsi and Pashto languages, Amu TV aims to counter the restrictive media environment imposed by the Taliban, promoting press freedom, and supporting the rights of women and journalists.[3]
Following the Taliban's takeover of Afghanistan in August 2021, the media landscape in the country has faced significant challenges, including censorship, persecution, and the shutdown of numerous media outlets. In response to these challenges, Eye Media Group launched Amu TV to continue providing independent news and entertainment to the Afghan population, both within the country and abroad.
Amu TV was founded by prominent journalists such as Lotfullah Najafizada[4] and Sami Mahdi, addressing the urgent need for diverse media content amidst severe media restrictions in Afghanistan.[5]
The name reflects the Amu Darya River, representing connection and resilience.[6] While headquartered in Virginia, the network collaborates with contributors in Afghanistan, Europe, and North America.
Amu TV broadcasts a variety of content, including news, current affairs, entertainment shows, dramas, and music programs. The channel produces six hours of original content daily, which includes:
| Entertainment Programs | Gulshanba (گلشنبه) | Fridays | 9:00 PM |
| Eso Pas Amoso (ایسو! پس هموسو | ) | Saturdays | 8:30 PM |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jane Gap (جان گپ) | Saturdays, Sundays, Mondays | 8:00 PM | |
| Cartoon-Shaun the Sheep | Wednesday nights | 7:00 PM | |
| Turkish Drama | Daily | 2:00 PM & 7:00 PM | |
| Political Programs | Mawj (موج) | Monday to Thursday | 10:00 PM |
| Did Bane Kabul (دیدبان کابل) | Monday, Tuesday | 9:00 PM | |
| Farsi News | Daily | 8:00 PM | |
| Pashto News | Daily | 10:00 PM | |
| Tomorrow's Hope (امید فردا) | Monthly | 7:00 PM |
Amu TV has a strong digital presence, complementing its satellite broadcasts. The channel operates robust accounts on platforms like YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, X, and TikTok, ensuring wide-reaching accessibility and engagement. Since their launch, the platform expanded significantly, producing thousands of stories and videos across multiple languages, reaching millions of users globally.
Amu TV channel's satellite broadcast reaches 19 million Afghans inside the country, and its digital platforms engage millions more worldwide. The content produced not only provides news and entertainment but also serves as a platform for dialogue and the promotion of women's rights.[7]
In 2023, Amu TV received the Democracy Award from the National Endowment for Democracy (NED) on behalf of independent Afghan media for its efforts in promoting press freedom in Afghanistan.[8]
Operating in the current Afghan media environment presents numerous challenges, including the safety of journalists and financial constraints due to the Taliban's restrictions on independent media. Despite these challenges, Amu TV has managed to continue to provide a vital service to the Afghan population.[9]