The Documentary

Kabul-based Tolo TV has made a name for itself reporting independent news and putting on hugely popular entertainment shows. But in the last few months the network has itself become the news story. After no fewer than four extremist threats, a Taliban suicide bombing in January this year killed seven staff and injured nearly twenty more. So what is life like for those who remain? Yalda Hakim tells the story of Tolo’s precarious operation – condemned as lewd and immoral by religious extremists, and described as a legitimate military target. In helping Afghans to challenge those in power, promoting women to top appointments, and even broadcasting popular western style entertainment shows, Tolo is helping to change Afghan society. It belongs to a growing media that are giving voice to the voiceless. But in the face of such ruthless enemies, staff are leaving for their own safety and even senior management admit that the channel might one day be forced to close.