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Teenage Girl Brings Kabul TV Back On Air
Sunday, November 18, 2001
(11:38 PM ET) (04:38 GMT)
The Cable News Network

Kabul TV comes back on air after a five year blackout.
Photo Credit: Kabul TV

KABUL, Afghanistan -- CNN
Afghanistan television has broadcast its first three hours of news, featuring a teenage female presenter.

In a sign of just how much life has changed since the Taliban retreated last week from Kabul, 16-year-old Mariam Shakebar welcomed back the capital's viewers and outlined the evening's program.

A reading from the Koran followed by music, cartoons, interviews and news in Daria and Pashto featured in Kabul Television's first broadcast following a five-year blackout.

After taking Kabul in September 1996, the Taliban banned television and women were forbidden from working outside the home, attending school, or leaving their homes unless accompanied by a male blood relative.

Shakebar, then an 11-year-old presenter of children's programs, lost her job.

Following the landmark television broadcast, preparations are under way for the reopening of local cinemas on Monday in Kabul.

The public will have the chance to see a film -- from India's Bollywood.
(More: CNN.com News Source)
2001 © Cable News Network LP, LLLP.

Dan