In Uzbekistan, Telegram, television, and social networks serve as the main channels for citizens to receive news. However, there is a significant difference in the level of trust in these sources: 44.3% of respondents trust television, while only 11.3% trust Telegram channels.
These data were presented on November 2nd in Tashkent based on the results of the first national media consumption study. The project was implemented by the Public Foundation for Support and Development of National Mass Media together with the European Union Delegation in Uzbekistan, the Center for Content Preparation for Mass Media under the Presidential Administration, and the Republican Center for Public Opinion Research 'Ijtimoiy Fikr.'
The survey took place from September 8 to September 19, 2026, and was conducted using personal interviews at the respondents' places of residence. 1,411 people over the age of 18 from all 14 regions of the country participated in the study. The distribution by housing type showed that 53.9% of respondents are urban residents, and 46.1% are rural.
How residents of Uzbekistan receive information
According to the study results, most residents of Uzbekistan learn about what is happening through Telegram channels, accounting for 51.6% of the survey participants' votes. Television came in second with a figure of 44.6%, and social networks ranked third (41.6%).
Media preferences show dependence on age. Young people aged 18 to 24 predominantly use Telegram (66.2%) and social networks (54.4%). Among the age group over 55, television leads, chosen by 77.4% of respondents.
Despite the growth of digital platforms, television maintains significant influence: 67.5% of respondents watch television content, and this channel is trusted the most—44.3%. For comparison, trust in Telegram channels is 11.3%, and in news websites is 7.4%.
Among TV channels, 'O‘zbekiston 24' garners the most trust, named the main source of information by 41.7% of viewers, and considered the most reliable by 52.8%. Milliy TV, Zo‘r TV, and Sevimli TV also appeared in the list of popular channels.
Use of messengers and social networks
Researchers separately analyzed the use of messengers and social networks. According to the survey, 64.8% of respondents use social networks, and the share of Telegram users reaches 86.1%. Instagram became the undisputed leader among social networks, used by 92.7% of respondents who use such platforms.
The main motives for choosing digital sources of information were cited as the speed of receiving news (48.6%) and the ability to access content at any time (31%). Radio occupies a smaller share in media consumption: 21.9% of survey participants listen to radio programs, while 78.1% do not use this source.
The largest share of radio listeners was recorded among people aged 35–44 (26.9%), and the smallest among young people aged 18–24 (16.7%).
What topics are missing in the media
The study also revealed a mismatch between audience interests and publication content. More than half of the respondents (56%) follow events in Uzbekistan, 40% are interested in international issues, and 22% are interested in local and regional news.
Furthermore, 41.3% of respondents noted a lack of information regarding prices, income, employment, and social support. Another 40.6% pointed out the absence of materials on citizens' daily problems. Other topics requiring more coverage included healthcare (23%), laws and citizens' rights (22%), public services (18%), and education and science (16%).
In addition to topics, survey participants voiced expectations regarding the quality of journalism: 27.6% would like to see deeper analytical materials, 22.5% want an objective presentation of different points of view, and there was also a need for journalistic investigations.
Differences in perception were identified between urban and rural residents. Rural residents are more likely to express opinions about the presence of false and unreliable information in online publications and news sites (41.2%), compared to urban residents (31.6%). Moreover, rural residents more often point to the insufficient impartiality of the media (39.2% versus 27.9% among city dwellers).
Overall, 49.7% of respondents assess the level of freedom of speech in the country as high.
Fake news as the main problem
The spread of unreliable information is recognized as one of the most serious problems of the media sphere; fake news was named the main threat by 46.6% of study participants. Such materials are most often found on YouTube, Telegram, and in social networks.
In response to this, 77.4% of respondents supported tightening media responsibility for spreading false information. Researchers also studied the preferences of TV viewers: 65.3% of urban and 75.4% of rural residents prefer watching news and informational programs. Popular genres also include health, family, and child-rearing shows, documentaries, and investigations.
The second stage of this project will be dedicated to conducting training sessions for journalists, press service employees, and bloggers in six regions of Uzbekistan.
