Daryo.uz
Daryo.uz is one of Uzbekistan’s most popular online news portals, launched in 2013. It publishes news in Uzbek, Russian, and English, covering domestic politics, economy, culture, and international developments. With a modern website and active social media presence, Daryo.uz has become one of the leading digital outlets in the country, often targeting younger and urban audiences. While formally presented as a private online media initiative, Daryo.uz is ultimately controlled by the government through state-owned telecom giant Uztelecom JSC, which holds a decisive ownership stake.
Media assets
News portal: Daryo.uz
State Media Matrix Typology
Captured Public or State Managed/Owned Media (CaPu)
Ownership and governance
Daryo.uz operates under SMA Media, but its ownership links tie it directly to Uztelecom JSC, Uzbekistan’s largest telecommunications company. Uztelecom JSC is 94% owned by the Uzbek state through the Agency for State Asset Management, while the remaining shares are held by private and institutional investors.
This arrangement effectively places Daryo.uz under government control, even if it operates with some degree of editorial autonomy on less politically sensitive issues.
Management decisions, particularly regarding editorial appointments and strategic direction, are influenced by Uztelecom’s board, whose members are appointed by state authorities.
Source of funding and budget
Daryo.uz is primarily financed by Uztelecom JSC, which generates revenue from telecommunication services (mobile, fixed-line, internet, and digital services). Additional income streams include digital advertising and sponsored content, though these remain secondary to the backing of its state-owned parent. As a subsidiary or affiliated media outlet of a profitable telecom monopoly, Daryo.uz enjoys a financial security that most independent Uzbek outlets lack.
Editorial independence
Formally, Daryo.uz presents itself as a modern news portal, producing fast-paced coverage and lifestyle content appealing to younger demographics. However, its editorial line follows government priorities, particularly on political and security matters. It rarely publishes critical or investigative reporting about state institutions.
On social and cultural issues, Daryo.uz displays more flexibility, offering broader coverage and occasionally more diverse perspectives than traditional state-owned media.
There is no statutory guarantee of editorial independence, and ultimate editorial control lies with Uztelecom JSC, and by extension, the government.
August 2025