Radio Reed Flute will produce and distribute radio programming, utilising the internet to collect information. The content will be produced by a local editorial team that is recruited by the local partners and that determines the agenda, editorial policy, and development of related projects. Networking, consultations, and workshops will be used to build the capacity of these teams.

The editorial approach is meant to be culturally inclusive and respectful of differences between those in the homeland and those in the diaspora, urbanites and farmers, and young and old. The broadcasts will reflect a desire to find ways to find common ground, and will focus on education, cultural expression (poetry, music, story telling), and communication between distant relatives. The provision of accurate and non-partisan news is also a priority; in addition to careful selection of reliable and relevant Afghan wesites on issues like human rights, health, and gender, collaboration with journalists and other sources may be necessary.

Content will be produced at "nodes", centres that offer internet access and tools for radio production. Each node has internet connectivity, (some broadband), CD writer (for audio CDs and CD-roms), a printer, and a telephone connection. A minidisk and microphone "reporter set" will be added to each node. The internet connection supports streams (dynamic audio signals broadcast via the internet), allowing Reed Fluters to send and receive audio/radio peer-to-peer and also to broadcast online. Live streams can be picked up from the website and relayed around the globe. Each "node" will have its own characteristics according to location and partners, and will make decisions about its own programming. Other products, including websites, mailing lists, audio CDs, and printed materials, may also be developed.

The nodes will also offer wider community service. Facilities will be open to the staff of involved partners; civil society groups, NGOs, and community organisations; the public (who may use the internet to communicate with distant friends or relatives); ex-pats, foreign aid workers, journalists, researchers. There may also be special hours of free internet access and training for specific groups (recovering mine victims, children, groups nominated by local organisations).

Technology, Conflict.

Intellectuals who left their country 20 or 30 years ago, in addition to the younger generation that escaped the Mujahideen and the Taliban in the last ten years, have grown distant from local Afghans in many ways. The international community is seeking ways to bring relief, rehabilitation, and reconstruction to this country. Radio Reed Flute is stimulated by the belief that helping ex-pats (re)connect with the outside world, and helping those in exile find ways to support their homeland, is a vital part of that healing process.

In 2001 the Taliban prohibited use of the internet. Even if the infrastructure were available, the internet would remain inaccessible to the vast majority of the population who are illiterate (an estimated 85% of Afghan women). Broadcast radio is the main source of information and entertainment in Afghanistan. The Northern Alliance forces took over Radio Sharia'a and still control Radio Afghanistan. Though the BBC and Voice of America are broadly considered a reliable source of information, these media do not always meet the needs of the Afghan people, which range from logistics to education and channels for free expression.

A group of Afghans in the Netherlands who are active in media and culture have produced a prototype of Radio Reed Flute in Dari and Pashto.