Uzbekistan Launches National Media Consumption Study

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.uz) — Uzbekistan launched a nationwide media consumption study on 24 August 2026 covering all regions of the country, including rural areas. The project aims to examine information habits, public trust levels across various sources, and the quality of national media content, according to the Public Foundation for Support and Development of National Mass Media.

The initiative is implemented jointly by the Mass Media Fund, the European Union Delegation to Uzbekistan, and the Center for Content Preparation for Mass Media under the Administration of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan. The project assesses how residents access information and how preferences are shifting amid the growth of digital technologies, internet access, and social networks.

Organizers noted that Uzbekistan's media sphere has undergone structural changes since reforms began in 2016. Social media channels are increasingly becoming primary information sources, while traditional media outlets continue to navigate ongoing digitalization and the integration of artificial intelligence tools.

The study will evaluate television, radio, print, and digital content consumption, with data analyzed by gender, age, and demographic categories. Fieldwork involves face-to-face interviews with randomly selected respondents conducted by the "Ijtimoiy Fikr" Republican Center for Public Opinion Research.

Scheduled in two phases through the end of 2026, the first stage will culminate in a National Media Consumption Report. The second stage will feature regional training seminars and educational campaigns for journalists, youth, and government press service staff. Findings will also provide data for media outlets, advertisers, state bodies, and international organizations developing media literacy initiatives.