RFE/RL's TAJIK SERVICE

In Brief

• Language: Tajik
• Coverage: Six hours a day
• Frequency: SW and satellite
• Internet: www.ozodi.tj, and www.ozodi.org

History

• The Tajik service was established in March 1953 as part of Radio Liberty's broadcasting to the Soviet Union, and Radio Ozodi has proven to be a valuable and trusted source of news, information, and analysis in Tajikistan
• Radio Ozodi opened its Dushanbe bureau in 1996 and has local reporters in the country's major cities
• Radio Ozodi was among the most trusted media outlets during the country's 1992-97 civil war
• In April 2007, Radio Ozodi launched satellite broadcasts on Hot Bird in order to provide its audience with improved sound quality
• In October 2007, Radio Ozodi relaunched its website, using the latest technology to offer photo galleries and video clips of daily events in Tajikistan and the world. Ozodi.org has become one of most popular and trusted Tajik-language websites in the country
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Highlights

• Political hurdles to local radio frequencies have made Internet and satellite distribution essential, while many Tajik media outlets have testified to the reliability and breadth of Radio Ozodi by reprinting its reports
• Radio Ozodi strives to target an influential audience of young and well-informed listeners and readers who can greatly contribute to an open and democratic society
• Radio Ozodi has responded to a fresh tightening of official controls on independent media with an emphasis on analytical and investigative reporting on issues that directly affect Tajikistan's 7 million people, including by dedicating roughly two-thirds of its weekly programming to live, original content