United States Agency for Global Media

Press freedom challenges continue in Central Asia

October 2, 2019

On my first trip as RFE/RL president, I chose to visit our bureaus in Central Asia, the “stans” that are unknown to many Western audiences, but which constitute a region of immense journalistic importance – and challenge – for RFE/RL. Our services in this vital region are among the only independent voices in media environments dominated by government-run media and increasingly subject to Russian and Chinese influence. Our services play a critical role, not just through the news and information they provide to millions in the region, but also in creating space in each national media ecosystem for other independent media to operate. Read More