RFE/RL's UZBEK SERVICE

In Brief

• Language: Uzbek
• Coverage: Six hours a day
• Frequency: MW, SW, and Satellite
• Internet: www.ozodlik.org

History

• Radio Ozodlik was established in 1953 as part of Radio Liberty's broadcasting to the Soviet Union and has continued to serve the Uzbek public since this major Central Asian power achieved independence in 1991.
• Following a pattern of harassment and violence against Radio Ozodlik correspondents, Uzbek authorities in December 2005 informed RFE/RL that the accreditation of its Tashkent bureau would not be renewed.
• In the face of official obstacles to broadcasting, increasing numbers of Uzbek citizens have turned to satellite in their effort to get access to Radio Ozodlik news and information.
• Also despite government hostility, many Uzbek and other Central Asian Internet users can find Radio Ozodlik coverage on independent websites that value RFE/RL's unique insight and comprehensive treatment of current events.

Highlights

• Radio Ozodlik remains as vital as ever as the state maintains its tight hold on the media and critics accuse Uzbekistan's entrenched government of rights and other abuses.
• In May 2005, Radio Ozodlik provided essential information as public unrest in eastern Uzbekistan gave way to crisis and government troops opened fire on thousands of demonstrators in downtown Andijon.
• In a tacit acknowledgement of the success that RFE/RL has achieved in providing independent news of local and regional developments, Uzbekistan's government-controlled media outlets have recently targeted Radio Ozodlik for explicit criticism.
• Radio Ozodlik was awarded the 2006 David Burke Distinguished Journalism Award, which is awarded annually in recognition of courage, integrity, and originality in reporting by journalists among Broadcasting Board of Governors organizations.
• Radio Ozodlik launched e-mail service in mid-2007, providing news and analysis to subscribers on a daily basis, to counter official efforts to hinder public access to its coverage.