DUSHANBE, February 6, 2012, CA-NEWS (TJ) – The successes and achievements in the field of media freedom in Tajikistan over the past 5 years were episodic in nature, said the report of the National Association of Independent Media of Tajikistan (NANSMIT), published late last week.
«To achieve a consistent development and strengthen freedom of speech and media the country needs a system of approaches based on international standards,» said originator of the report, chairman of NANSMIT Nuriddin Karshibaev. In his opinion, it is important for government structures to gain an understanding of the role and purpose of the media in contemporary society.
«The main problem of freedom of speech and media in Tajikistan is associated with the imperfection of the legal framework for the media, its non-compliance with international norms and standards on freedom of expression. Moreover, the lack of a clear strategy for media development in the country, regardless of their form of ownership, the lack of a civilized market of media and lack of journalistic staff hinder the development of independent pluralistic media,» said Karshibaev.
Another problem is the lack of uniform application of laws in the sphere of media. Among the main reasons that stand on the way of development of online journalism in Tajikistan is the shortage and lack of necessary equipment, noted the author of the report. «The system of press distribution in the Republic of Tajikistan is working inefficiently, which is one of the reasons for the weak development of print media. The problem of licensing in the field of broadcasting also remains relevant. Not all applicants for licenses (there are about 20 of them) were given licenses by authorized state agency,» added Karshibaev.
The report was prepared with financial support of the Office of OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media. «The Office is not responsible for the content of the report. The opinions of the author do not necessarily reflect the official position of the Office,» said Karshibaev.
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