Real Lives

"New Home, New Life" is one of the most popular dramas in radio history. It has such a following in Afghanistan that the Taliban decided against banning it, even though it includes women. The programme has an audience of 14 million, or 48% of the population. Launched in 1994 by BBC World Service Trust and Afghan Education Projects, it is one of the most influential public service broadcasting programmes ever made, with a mission to educate the population in a continuing time of crisis and conflict, as well as entertain. The series is broadcast in both the Dari and Pasho languages. The programme is based on the real needs of the people. Whatever people see or do in their daily lives is reflected in the drama. That is why people take it so seriously. Its director, Shirazuddin Siddiqi reflects on its success.