Fast Facts RFE/RL's Turkmen Service is the only independent source for news and information in the country, with special emphasis given to topics such as democracy and human rights. Language: Turkmen Coverage: Six hours daily Established: 1953 Distribution: Radio (MW, SW, Satellite), Internet (www.azathabar.com) Locations: Prague headquarters Staff: 9 (Prague), 23 stringers

Media Environment

• Freedom House Freedom of the Press Index, 2010: Not Free (194th/196)
• Reporters Without Borders Press Freedom Index, 2009: 173rd/175
• The Canada-based International Freedom of Expression Exchange stated that Turkmenistan has “one of the worst media climates in the world.” The government has a complete monopoly on all media outlets and does not allow anything to be published that strays outside its defined editorial guidelines.
• Journalists for Radio Azatlyk are regularly subjected to threats and harassment by the authorities, and one Azatlyk correspondent died in government custody after being arrested on trumped-up charges in 2006.
• The Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe has described the lack of media freedom in the country as “unprecedented.” Internet access is controlled strictly through state bodies, and all foreign-based Turkmen opposition sites are blocked. Radio Azatlyk is the only source of independent information in the country.

Highlights

• In 2006, novelist, historian, and Turkmen Service correspondent Rahim Esenov received the PEN/Barbara Goldsmith Freedom to Write award. The award recognizes prominent figures who have been persecuted or imprisoned for exercising or defending the right to freedom of expression.
• In February 2008, the Turkmen Service began receiving questions, news tips, and feedback from listeners via SMS text messaging on mobile phones.
• In June 2009, the Turkmen Service launched its new web platform (www.azathabar.com) designed to expand its youth audience.
• Radio Azatlyk is known for its “Inside View” programs based on-the-ground reports, weekly roundtable discussions, as well as special programs on human rights, youth, women, and culture.

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Population
5.04 million (2008 World Bank estimate)

Most Common Languages:
Turkmen, Russian, Uzbek

Press Freedom Index (Freedom House):
Not Free, ranked 95 out of 196 (2010)

Press Freedom Index (RSF):
173 out of 175 (2010)

Corruption Index (Transparency Int.):
172 out of 178 (2010)

Global Peace Index (IES):
117 out of 149 (2010)

Human Rights Watch:
Report on Turkmenistan (2010)

Amnesty International:
Turkmenistan Report (2009)