Eight creative TV show suggestions to help build the business sector in Afghanistan

TV can be a powerful channel to inspire, encourage and educate the people of Afghanistan and support the ambitious government goals to build the country. Journalists and TV producers can create programs that are entertaining, equipping and Shariah law compliant.

This article proposes eight TV programs that would help create a positive, productive, business focused mindset and help many Afghans to start/ build successful businesses, feed their families & communities, create new jobs and stimulate the economic growth of Afghanistan. Those programs would help many Afghans to gain financial independence from donor organization and take control of their own destiny.

The future of a prosperous, healthy, and independent Afghanistan depends on a strong private sector!

For two decades NGOs have focused on providing emergency relief, humanitarian services and education. Afghans have become used to depend on free gifts and handouts, rather than building their own private companies, generating income and creating sustainable value.

Journalists should reassess and redefine their role for the benefit of the country

Arguably a notable number of Afghan journalists have been resisting change in the last years. Complaining has not helped the progress of the country. It is time for those (former) journalists to embrace the existing situation and identify ways of how they can add value within their boundaries for the benefit of the country.

Afghan (former) journalists have great skills, abilities and creativity that can help much to build the country

Two decades of war and arguably failed foreign aid has had a devastating effect on millions of people in Afghanistan. Many people suffer from depression, anxieties and negativity. Journalists can play an important role to encourage, inspire and educate in a positive way.

Local journalists are needed to encourage/ educate people to start/ grow business

Journalists can report on the positive progress, cover business success stories, gather learning lessons, identify/ introduce local Afghan role models and inspire people to take part in building Afghanistan.

TV journalists can produce content and shows that help build the private business sector!

This section suggests eight new TV shows that could inspire/ empower people. Done right those shows will generate millions of viewers and enable valuable advertisement revenues (that can be again invested into more TV projects and modernization):

A)??? The “Afghanistan Apprentice show” (similar to the famous Apprentice shows around the world)

20 people with business ambitions work on weekly tasks to develop businesses and generate money. The people compete in two teams against each other. The member of the weekly winning team gets rewarded, while the weakest contributor of the losing team gets eliminated. The tasks continue until only one person is left as the final winner. The price is a large amount of money to start a business and/or the opportunity to work as Apprentice for a very successful Afghan businessperson’s company. The other eliminated team members all still have gained valuable experience and gained recognition (that they can use for their future career development).

B)???? “Successful Afghan businesspeople and entrepreneurs” in Afghanistan

Journalists identify and interview local entrepreneurs and businesspeople that started successful companies. The stories shall inspire other people to take courage to start a business. The format is both entertaining and instructional, offering many learning lessons for starting and building companies.

C)???? “Pitching business ideas to investors” to receive funding

Pre-screened entrepreneurs pitch their business ideas to investors. Investors fund the best ideas and enable entrepreneurs to start/ grow their companies. Initially, Investors can be local. Later international investors could be added.

D)??? “Success workshops”

A small number of businesspeople discuss their company challenges and seek ways to collaborate. An experienced local (or international) businessman & advisor facilitates the discussion and offers advice.

E)???? “Pitching for internships” with desired companies

Pre-selected young professionals present themselves to HR directors of large famous Afghan companies and pitch why/ how they would add value to those companies.

F)???? “Pitching for top company positions”

Pre-selected experienced professionals pitch to CEOs of large famous Afghan companies why/ how they would add value to those companies.

G)??? Practical guidance series: “How to start & expand profitable businesses”

Experienced professionals give short, very practical guidance on how to develop ideas, recognize business opportunities, validate revenue & profit potential, deal with permits & legal requirement, develop a plan, manage financials, raise funds, partner with others, collaborate with stakeholder, implement marketing, develop customers, sell and overall build overall business.

H)??? Successful thinking series

Psychologists and motivational speakers help people think in a positive, healthy and more productive way. It will help many traumatized, discouraged people. It will also help stimulate a higher productivity and harmonious society.

Conclusion:

Journalists have the ability to bring much well-needed inspiration, education and empowerment to millions of Afghans. This article suggested eight examples of TV shows that could help build the private business sector in Afghanistan.

If you work in Journalism, let us discuss further. You may reach out to Alex Steinberg through WhatsApp at +966531824178

About the author Alex Steinberg

Alex Steinberg started his career in journalism at the age of sixteen, taking pictures and writing articles on a wide section of social, sports, business and other events. He was recognized and trained as journalistic talent by the prestigious German foundation Hanns Seidl Stiftung.

After his MBA, Alex Steinberg switched career and developed, built, and led companies across the world. He has advised, directed, and supported strategies, programs, and implementations of 30+ famous multi-national companies and government organizations. Alex has advised across most key industries and helped built countries. His strategies, programs and advice have positively impacted over one hundred million people.

Alex is currently in Kabul with the intent to help build the private sector in Afghanistan to benefit millions of Afghans.

Legal Disclaimer

This article reflects the opinion of Alex Steinberg only. It does not claim to represent the viewpoints of any present/ former client, employer, or partner. The author acknowledges that there are often different viewpoints on a topic, which are equally valid. Constructive discussion rather than criticism can lead to better ideas and positive outcome & value to business and society.