Journalists must serve as the conscience of society

We live in a time of globalization, where the information environment shifts rapidly, and the virtual realm seeks to influence our real lives.

Around the globe, information is more than just news. It has evolved into a potent influence and a geopolitical instrument that molds public opinion and impacts political and economic dynamics.

Amid the country’s transformation, the press plays a key role in fostering dialogue between the government and citizens, providing clear explanations of the reforms’ purpose and importance, and openly addressing systemic issues.

Is Uzbekistan’s open media policy becoming little more than an empty declaration?

Does the pursuit of speed compromise professional responsibility and accuracy?

How can a company’s strategy rooted in true professionalism be demonstrated in a time dominated by superficial sensations and the increasing obsession with “likes”?

The Head of State has enhanced the media’s role in societal development and significantly improved government transparency. The President emphasized that for democratic principles to take hold truly, it is essential to safeguard freedom of speech and the press and to establish the conditions necessary for journalists to operate freely. Openness and transparency should not be seen as short-term initiatives but as an unwavering strategic direction.

Such a firm political commitment demands a fundamental shift in how local government officials perceive the media. State institutions should see the media not merely as a “center for positive information dissemination” or a “shield of reliability” protecting officials from criticism, but as an active, and when needed, sharp and critical, living conduit for open, honest dialogue with society.

Let’s evaluate the current situation with objectivity.

No one denies that Uzbekistan’s information landscape has experienced significant positive changes recently. Mainly, “armchair journalism” has been removed from the media, routine praise is no longer used, and reporting on complex and previously hidden social issues has become normal.

Legally, a major advance has been made to protect journalists and bloggers. The elimination of imprisonment as a penalty for journalism-related activities has enhanced media professionals’ psychological and professional independence.

The press services within government agencies have undergone a complete reform. The role of press secretaries has been upgraded to deputy head of agency status. Furthermore, making state budget expenditures and public procurement data available on an open portal has given journalists access to a comprehensive database. Independent online publications, investigative journalists, and active bloggers now significantly influence public opinion and uncover issues within the government. It is common for local officials and ministers to respond formally to criticism and work on fixing identified problems. These developments mark a major achievement of the reforms related to freedom of speech.

Nonetheless, we cannot become complacent with progress, as outdated mindsets persist and some parts of the system continue to oppose transparency. Several ministries and agencies have not adopted open policies that avoid formalism and rote procedures. When a systemic issue or a prominent incident appears on social media, the responsible agencies often stay silent during the crucial early hours and later provide vague or unsupported responses.

It is also unfortunate that the habit of categorizing media outlets and journalists as either “insiders” or “outsiders” persists, with “convenient” publications offering only praise and journalists asking difficult questions that are often seen as bothersome. Consequently, some official events and briefings are conducted as rehearsed performances following a predetermined script.

It is well understood that an information vacuum is temporary. When authorities stay silent, hostile foreign entities, false rumors, and fabricated panic tend to fill the gap. Delayed or concealed disclosures by official agencies amount to losing the confidence battle. True transparency involves courage – recognizing society’s urgent issues and collaborating with journalists to address them.

The modern information landscape evolves quickly, with social media spreading news faster than traditional outlets. While being timely is crucial in today’s world, it can also pose risks for the press. During a meeting with journalists and bloggers, the President emphasized that although timeliness is important, the press should prioritize objectivity, accuracy, and solid evidence. Taking information out of context or neglecting proper analysis can cause misunderstandings among the public.

Sadly, in the race for exclusivity and being first, many neglect the importance of fact-checking. Superficial analysis and jumping to conclusions without deeply exploring the core of an event hinder progress in one of journalism’s most vital fields – investigative journalism.

Uzbekistan guarantees access to official information. Yet once detailed analysis and institutional inquiries begin, many officials fabricate excuses and artificial obstacles to impede information flow. Where proper investigation is absent, corruption and the shadow economy thrive. Meanwhile, the pursuit of “likes” and views fuels the spread of false sensations, fake news, manipulation, and distorted reports. Unfortunately, society’s “information hygiene” is also deteriorating, with audiences increasingly drawn to personal gossip and trivial publicity stunts rather than serious analytical articles. It is in this chaotic online environment that the true value of professional journalism becomes clear.

A professional journalist does more than copy and spread ready-made information. They filter information streams, understand legal frameworks, and objectively analyze the causes and consequences of events. In an era of manufactured sensations, journalists remain the backbone of a trustworthy press. The press should aim to foster a mindset where readers approach sensational news skeptically but trust that when they see it in a reputable publication, it is credible.

In Uzbekistan, efforts to promote freedom of speech have yielded concrete results, and this momentum is irreversible. The current focus should shift from increasing coverage to enhancing its quality. Relations between the press and government authorities have progressed beyond mere rhetoric and must now evolve into authentic, practical, cooperative, and principled collaboration. Government bodies should view the media not as rivals but as vital partners that identify systemic deficiencies and help accelerate reform efforts.

National journalism should move away from pursuing empty sensations and superficial social media reports. Instead, it must serve as society’s true conscience, rooted in professionalism, comprehensive analysis, courage, and a deep sense of civic duty.

As the President highlighted, establishing a just society and a robust state depends solely on a free, responsible, and professional press. There is no alternative way to progress or earn the people’s trust.

Alouddin Gafforov, UzA