Tajikistan currently operates 104 television and radio companies, Nosir Said, head of the Committee for TV and Radio-broadcasting under the Government of Tajikistan noted. 

Speaking at a news conference in Dushanbe, Said today emphasized that there are no restrictions on broadcast content in the country.

Detailing the current media landscape, he noted that Tajikistan is home to 15 state and 17 private TV channels, 10 state and 24 private radio stations, along with 17 cable and five IP-based channels. In addition, there are 16 production studios creating audiovisual content.

Said stressed that there are no limitations on who can appear on air.  “This has never been an issue,” he said.  “We invite knowledgeable, professional individuals who can speak well and present a polished image and style.”

Addressing concerns voiced by some artists and performers who claim their work is being blocked from the airwaves, Said encouraged them to contact the Committee directly.

“There are no restrictions, and the Committee is open to new initiatives in the TV and radio space,” he stated.

The topic of editorial decisions on state TV is not new.  Under former Committee chairman Nouriddin Said, journalists had raised questions about the absence of obituaries for prominent public figures.  At the time, Nouriddin Said maintained that while he supported programming about truly notable compatriots, he opposed dedicating airtime to what he called “pseudo-great individuals.”

“There has never been any directive banning obituaries from state TV,” he said at a prior press conference.  However, he dismissed follow-up questions from journalists seeking clarification on coverage of recently deceased public figures.