Mass media in transition in Central Asia

Abstract

This paper compares the development of mass media in the republics of Central Asia (Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Kazakhstan, and Kyrgyzstan) in the post-Soviet period, examining the reasons why Gorbachev's glasnost did not take root in Central Asia and reviewing significant events related to media in each republic since independence. While current leaders cite the threat of interethnic conflict as justification for restricting the press, other factors go farther to explain media's dependence on government, including the high value placed on stability in society; the persistent Soviet legacy, which involves a view of the press as political communication; and the present economic crisis.