Telegram is the leading source of news in Uzbekistan, with 45.7% of adults saying they get news from its channels, according to a national media consumption study presented in Tashkent today, Nov. 2.
Social media followed at 36.9% and television at 33.8%, while 30.7% said they rely on online publications and news sites. More than 80% of participants said they follow news in Uzbekistan and abroad regularly or occasionally.
“Telegram has become a unique phenomenon in the country’s media landscape. Fifty-five percent of users spend between 30 minutes and two hours a day on the messenger,” said Mansur Saidov, deputy director of the Ijtimoiy Fikr (Public Opinion) Center, Daryo reported.
Television retains a sizable audience, Saidov said. Nearly 67% of respondents said they watch TV programs regularly, especially those over 35. Uzbekistan 24, Milliy, Sevimli, Zor TV and Yoshlar lead among national channels, and more than half of the population turn to Uzbekistan 24 for impartial and official information, he said.
The study was carried out jointly by the National Mass Media Fund, the European Union Delegation to Uzbekistan, the Content Center and the Ijtimoiy Fikr Center. It surveyed 1,411 adults aged 18 and over nationwide on Sept. 8-19.
