Uzbekistan government press
Uzbekistan’s government exerts substantial influence over the print media landscape. It operates a dedicated press division that oversees leading publications — Xalq So‘zi (Khalq Sozi), its Russian-language counterpart Narodnoye Slovo, and the long-standing Pravda Vostoka. Historically, during the Soviet era, Pravda Vostoka served as the official mouthpiece of the Uzbek Communist Party’s Central Committee.
Media assets
Publishing: Khalq Sozi, Narodnoye Slovo, Pravda Vostoka
State Media Matrix Typology
Ownership and governance
These publications are owned and shepherded by the Cabinet of Ministers, which picks the leadership team across the board.
Source of funding and budget
The largest part of their funding comes directly from state coffers. These publications are largely subsidized by the government, reaffirming their reliance on official budgets rather than market-driven revenue.
Editorial independence
Editorial lines are drawn in Tashkent. The government steers the narrative and dictates the editorial pulse, effectively quashing any semblance of autonomy.
There exists no legal framework or independent body to safeguard editorial independence, a fact that underscores how these media organs are extensions of state will.
August 2025