The media landscape in Uzbekistan has witnessed significant transformations in recent years, particularly in the areas of public control, transparency in government activities, shaping public opinion, and strengthening democratic values.
Openness and transparency have become central tenets of Uzbekistan’s efforts to improve public control. State bodies and organizations now actively publish statistical data pertaining to the allocation and expenditure of budgetary funds, the country’s gold and foreign exchange reserves, as well as the volume of foreign trade turnover and imports.
A pivotal milestone in ensuring transparency was reached on June 6, 2021, when President Shavkat Mirziyoyev issued a decree to enhance openness in the activities of state bodies and organizations while promoting effective public control. This decree placed special emphasis on the crucial role of the Anti-Corruption Agency in assisting the development and implementation of measures to establish effective public control through mass media.
To further reinforce these principles, Uzbekistan introduced administrative liability in 2022 for violations of legislation on the openness of public authorities and administration. This includes non-disclosure of publicly significant information, failure to comply with publication deadlines and procedures, and falsification of information. The updated Constitution of the Republic of Uzbekistan under Article 81 guarantees freedom of the mass media and the necessary conditions for its operation.
This environment of openness has empowered journalists to actively engage with state bodies, conduct investigative journalism, and shed light on societal issues. As a result, the media in Uzbekistan has played a key role in fostering positive change. Notably, the media’s vigilance led to the introduction of a moratorium on tree felling, as well as the exposure of corruption, legal violations, and infringements on citizens’ rights.
Recognizing the importance of the media, the President of Uzbekistan issued a decree dedicated to the development of press services within state agencies. This measure aimed to ensure transparency in public affairs, foster close collaboration with the media, journalists, and bloggers on matters of public concern, and raise the status of press secretaries to the level of deputy heads of departments. Additionally, mechanisms of accountability were established, requiring heads of state bodies to engage in regular briefings, press conferences, and provide explanations on various high-profile issues.
These initiatives have broadened the frontiers of openness in the information sphere. Today, press services of government agencies along with thematic press tours, meetings, briefings, and press conferences form over half of the news information flow online.
Furthermore, the Agency for Information and Mass Communications has collaborated with press secretaries of state bodies to establish a mechanism for prompt response to citizens’ appeals, critical issues, and widely discussed topics in the media. Notably, more than 10,000 responses and expert opinions have been published in the media, social networks, and messengers as part of this initiative.
Institutional changes have also played a vital role in enhancing public control over government activities in Uzbekistan. The establishment of the Public Council on Development of Information Sphere and Mass Communications under the Parliament of Uzbekistan in 2019 and the Committee on Information Policy and Transparency in the activities of State Bodies of the Senate of the Oliy Majlis in 2021 have both facilitated the involvement of public organizations in shaping public opinion on pressing matters. These councils comprise representatives from various media outlets, public organizations, scientific and cultural spheres, as well as independent experts and specialists from civil society institutions.
The collective efforts of these transformative measures have empowered Uzbekistan’s media to effectively fulfill their role in public control. Media outlets have increasingly focused on ongoing reforms and have become instrumental in identifying and addressing issues of concern to the population. This collaborative approach has had a positive impact on the functioning of government agencies, local executive bodies, and the remediation of significant shortcomings in their work.
Undoubtedly, media and journalists hold immense power as they serve as influential conduits, amplifying the voice and opinion of the people to both the general public and state bodies. Uzbekistan’s commitment to transparency and openness in its media landscape is indicative of a strong dedication to democratic values and the continuous progress of the nation.
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