338. Navigating Ethics in Afghan Journalism with Saad Mohseni (Part 1)

The Greg McKeown Podcast

Saad Mohseni, the visionary co-founder and executive officer of Moby Group, shares his remarkable journey from London to Kabul in our latest episode. Born to Afghan parents and having traversed the globe, Saad found himself in the heart of Afghanistan in 2002, where his modest radio station blossomed into the nation's largest media company. Despite the Taliban's return in 2021 and the ensuing restrictive environment, Moby Group perseveres. Saad's story is not just one of business success but of relentless resilience and the fight to uphold an independent media voice in one of the world's most challenging regions.

Episode Summary:

We navigate the murky waters of ethical journalism in volatile areas like Afghanistan. From the dilemmas surrounding the coverage of sensitive issues to the broader ramifications of the U.S. withdrawal, our conversation offers a nuanced understanding of the complexities journalists face. Finally, we discuss the humanitarian fallout of the abrupt Afghan withdrawal, emphasizing the ongoing need for engagement to sustain the progress made, especially for women and minorities.

Key Takeaways:

• Ethical Journalism in Volatile Regions: The episode explores the ethical challenges journalists face in regions like Afghanistan, particularly in reporting on sensitive issues such as the treatment of women and minorities, while balancing safety and credibility.
• Humanitarian Impact of the U.S. Withdrawal: The discussion highlights the severe humanitarian consequences following the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan and stresses the need for continued international support, especially for women and minorities.
• Role of Independent Media: Mobi Group’s efforts are crucial for providing information and education in Afghanistan, emphasizing the importance of independent media and their role in employing women and offering educational programs.

Notable Quotes:

• "We must cover every story, no matter how controversial, because otherwise, we lose our credibility. But every decision carries the weight of potential danger."
• "While edicts from the Taliban are very explicit, their implementation is often vague. One week we are told to continue as before, the next, we are questioned for not abiding by the rules."
• "Covering sensitive stories is a precarious balance. We must decide how to cover them without compromising safety or credibility, all while under the threat of conflicting directives from authorities."

Resources:

• Saad on X
• Moby Group's Website

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