Media independence is the key to creating a strong civil society in Uzbekistan

In the modern world, few people would argue with the thesis that for the sustainable development of both the country and society, the media should have a special role. What kind of role is this? This is an important function of the connecting bridge between society and the authorities. The media raises problematic issues, focusing the attention of the government and society on the need to find ways to solve them. Achieving such a high position of the media in our republic is not a momentary task. This is a long, time-consuming process. 

Our society is like a marathon runner running in the middle of this distance. However, what inspires confidence in achieving the finish line – positive results in building independent and strong media - is the firm decision of the authorities to bring the matter to an end, create a modern information sphere, competitive media, and provide ample opportunities for freedom of speech and pluralism of opinions. These are priority tasks in the construction of a New Uzbekistan.
At the same time, it should be noted that not a little has already been achieved on this path. The participation, role and place of representatives of the mass media in the socio-political processes of the country was impossible to imagine a couple of years ago. Since 2017, the mass media of Uzbekistan has been experiencing a period of rapid formation. 
What made such a state of affairs in the information sphere possible? This is the result of the addition of a number of factors.
Firstly, the systematic work of the authorities to improve the legislative framework governing the activities of the media. A solid legal framework has been established in Uzbekistan to ensure freedom of speech and information. In order to strengthen the legal framework for ensuring freedom of speech and effective media activity, more than 10 laws have been adopted in the country. 
Of course, the new Constitution has become the most important step towards ensuring freedom of speech. It firmly guarantees the freedom of the media, the exercise of their right to receive, use and disseminate information. 
It should be noted separately that the Strategy "Uzbekistan-2030" provides for the improvement of the system of protection of the rights of mass media, strengthening responsibility for obstructing their professional activities. It is planned to consistently continue the policy of openness, ensuring guaranteed implementation of citizens' rights to receive, use and disseminate information. 
In pursuance of the priority objectives of the Strategy, a draft law has been developed on the establishment of administrative responsibility for interference or obstruction of the legitimate activities of the mass media. The law is expected to be adopted in 2025. 
Secondly, the implementation of legislative initiatives has created favorable conditions for ensuring freedom of speech and the development of mass media. Uzbekistan has recently done a lot of work in this direction. The procedure for state registration of mass media has been simplified, tax benefits and allowances have been provided, and much more. 
Today, the state registration of mass media is carried out only through the centers of public services or EPIGU, its term has been reduced from 15 to 10 days. Moreover, from July 1, 2022 to July 1, 2025, the media pay income tax at a tax rate reduced by 50%. Since May 2023, the amount of the state fee for the design, construction, use of broadcasting networks and the issuance of a license for the provision of broadcasting services has been reduced by 50%. 
The support provided by the state to media workers deserves special attention. Thus, journalists and editorial staff who have been working in the media as their main place of work for more than one year are compensated for 50% of the costs of teaching foreign languages. Dozens of journalists were sent to foreign countries at the expense of the state to improve their skills and participate in prestigious media events.
An important function is performed by the "Dialogue Platforms" created under the AIMC and its regional divisions in order to protect and ensure the rights of media representatives and provide them with legal assistance. 
Thirdly, systematic work to ensure the openness of the activities of public authorities and management. A mechanism has been established for the reporting of heads of state bodies to the media and the public, regular briefings, press conferences, and explanations on various issues, including high-profile ones, are held.
The activities of the press services have been radically reformed, the status of press secretaries, who are equated to the deputy head of the department, has been increased. Currently, more than 1,400 employees work in the press services of ministries and departments, as well as state organizations of Uzbekistan. Press secretaries are advisers to managers on information policy, their status is also equivalent to the deputy head.
Also, together with the Ministry of Justice, criteria for evaluating press secretaries have been approved, on the basis of which AIMK coordinates their activities and determines the degree of effectiveness of government agencies' openness to society, as well as compiles an appropriate rating of the effectiveness of press services.
The measures taken made it possible to saturate the information field of Uzbekistan with information about the ongoing reforms and the work of government agencies and thereby contributed to the further growth of openness in the information field. So, today more than half of the news information flow on the Internet is formed through the activities of the press services of government agencies, as well as thematic press tours, meetings, briefings, etc.
In 2022, administrative liability was established for violation of legislation on the openness of the activities of public authorities and management. All this has created additional opportunities for the media. Journalists send requests to government agencies, conduct journalistic investigations, and raise socially significant issues that affect the interests of the entire people.
Fourth, the systematic increase in the effectiveness of the channels of "feedback" between government agencies and society. In particular, AIMK, together with the press secretaries of government agencies, has created a mechanism for rapid response to citizens' appeals, as well as critical and widely discussed information guides. 
At the same time, the analysis shows that the number of critical materials is growing. If in 2020 about 9.4 thousand materials were identified, then in 2023 – 21.5 thousand. It is also necessary to note the dynamics of the growth of reactions to critical materials. So, if in 2020 about 7.1 thousand responses and expert opinions were published, then in 2023 – more than 20 thousand.
In this regard, it is worth emphasizing that such a growing trend in the number of critical materials and response publications reflects the steady process of democratization and broad liberalization of socio-political life in Uzbekistan and the establishment of a genuine dialogue between the state and society. There is a clear fundamental difference in the perception and reaction of the authorities to criticism, unlike in previous years: a) repressive measures are not applied against the media and bloggers raising problems; b) there is an open dialogue between the state and society, including the recognition of miscalculations on the part of the authorities and the government's willingness to protect the interests of the people; c) preventing the blocking of media resources and the media, maintaining their normal functioning.
Fifth, a system of training highly qualified journalistic personnel has been established. Specialists in the field of journalism are trained by the University of Journalism and Mass Communications, the National University of Uzbekistan, the State University of World Languages, Tashkent State University of Oriental Studies, Karakalpak State University and Bukhara State University.
They train in more than 20 areas, such as print media and publishing, audiovisual journalism, online journalism and management, media theory and practice, military and sports journalism, digital media, and international relations.
Sixth, productive cooperation with reputable international organizations has been established. Uzbekistan is developing close contacts with relevant units of the OSCE and UNESCO in order to cooperate in further strengthening freedom of speech and media activities, and improving national legislation in this area. A number of events were held with the office of the OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media. With the direct assistance of UNESCO specialists, a national Code of Professional Ethics for journalists was developed and adopted in 2019.
Currently, together with UNESCO and the OSCE/ODIHR, work has been organized to finalize the draft Information Code, in cooperation with foreign experts, the draft document is being brought into line with generally accepted requirements of freedom of speech. It should be emphasized that the adoption of this document will make it possible to systematize the domestic legislative framework and give a new impetus to the development of mass media in the country.
The above-mentioned systemic measures to liberalize the information environment have led to the rapid development of non-state media. Against the background of the transformation process of the national media market, the highest growth rates are shown by the private sector – TV channels, electronic media, as well as blogging. According to the Union of Journalists of Uzbekistan, in recent years the number of media outlets in the country has increased from 1,514 to more than 2,300, while 65% of them are private. The indicators in the field of electronic media are noteworthy, where the number of online publications increased from 395 in 2016 to 745 in 2023 (an increase of +88%). The number of active bloggers showed explosive growth over the same period – from 50 to more than 1.2 thousand (+2,400%).
Today, domestic electronic media and bloggers have become the engine of critical discussion, and the popularity of social networks and bloggers has flourished in the country. 
Thanks to the coverage of high-profile information guides and problems, in particular, about shortcomings in the field of construction, ecology and environmental protection, road safety, as well as in the social and economic spheres, bloggers and online media have earned a high reputation and credibility.