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Uzbekistan Moving Towards Media Freedom, Commentator Says

Posted on: Thursday, 16 March 2006, 03:03 CST

Uzbekistan is moving towards media freedom, Uzbek political commentator Ibrohim Normatov writes in an article published by the Uzbek newspaper Hurriyat on 15 March. "Monitoring media activities, I can say with confidence that Uzbek media have left apathy and fear behind, and are moving towards freedom and democracy," Normatov writes. The following is an excerpt from the article, subheadings inserted editorially:

We are fighting for media freedom. It is one of the main principles of democratic development and civil society. We say that media should not be dependent on anyone as they rise to the level of "fourth estate". Good. So, who and what should they be free from, and why?! This question will certainly arise when we speak about media freedom.

Is there any media that does not really depend on anyone in any way? If there is, what TV channel, radio, newspaper or magazine of the world can be given as an example? For instance, free Radio Liberty is funded by the US Congress. The head of the BBC is appointed by the UK government. Or let's take a look at Russia. Such Russian industrial giants as LUKoil and Gazprom control a number of news media. Dependent publications exist in all countries.

So who can say establishments or organizations that provide funds for media do not exert influence on them? In our opinion, no one. He who pays the piper calls the tune. This is a simple philosophy. It also applies to media. Funding establishments will try to exert their influence by all means. Certainly, only law can protect media from such influence. A complete law can effectively protect media from certain officials with an old way of thinking, natural monopolies, sponsors, advertisers, distributors, publishers and others.

But today relations between our free and independent publications and their sponsors and founders are mainly limited to mutual obligations. Unfortunately, these obligations change depending on the situation. Sometimes, plans, programmes set down by sponsors or founders do not conform to the fundamental principles of free media and a free society.

If these relations are established in line with the law, and obligations are assumed on the bases of these there will be no obstacle to media freedom. Most importantly, this freedom is guaranteed and protected by the law.

[Passage omitted: Uzbek President Karimov spoke about the importance of creating appropriate conditions for media activity in his speech at the 9th session of the Uzbek parliament.]

Currently nongovernmental, independent, free, private, commercial and branch publications enjoy the same conditions as state newspapers and magazines. There is no obstacle, barrier or ban whatsoever.

[Passage omitted: New publications, more jobs have been opened. There is competition in the media sphere of our country. Competition requires media sources to be quick and clear.]

Openness

We [Uzbek media] have an opportunity to be fast. However often we hesitate, afraid of being told off. We say let's wait until others report first and then we will see. I do not mean only bad news. For some reason we are cautious even about reporting good news, about reporting on important events and world news. We hesitate, thinking whether we should report or wait for instructions from above. This can be called habitual self-censorship, not fear. We have had self- censorship for years. And now we are trying to get rid of it. Undoubtedly, we will get rid of it as democratic changes in our society encourage us.

Openness, like quickness, is also one of the main conditions of media freedom. There will be freedom where there is openness. The causes of any events that have nothing to do with state secrets should be made public. Otherwise rumours will naturally lead to speculation. Speculation stirs up panic. And panic sows confusion in people's minds.

If an event happens, no matter if it is pleasant or not, and an official or a person who has information on it makes an objective statement about it everything will be fine, and there will be no need for any speculation.

[Passage omitted: In the days of the Soviet Union there was no openness.]

Progress towards media freedom

Monitoring media activities, I can say with confidence that Uzbek media have left apathy and fear behind, and are moving towards freedom and democracy. Some newspapers are making progress. One cannot but feel this. The number of independent-minded journalists and those with an intellectual mindset who cover events accurately and objectively is increasing. One cannot but feel this.

But some of our colleagues abroad pretend not to see this. They brand Uzbek media and Uzbek journalists the same way as 10-15 years ago. Who are they? They are those who worked for our media and were trained here. As soon as they start working for foreign media they feel as if they are more intelligent, wiser and smarter than all others.

[Passage omitted: General remarks about freedom. The commentator says he was able to express and publish the above views freely.]

Source: BBC Monitoring Central Asia

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