Official foot-dragging, along with the fact that broadcast media outlets would not be eligible for tax breaks, has produced frustration among journalists. Some media observers suggest that Rahmonov is more concerned with enhancing his public image than with encouraging an independent press.
Rahmonov, in a March 20 address, spoke of a need to promote a greater degree of freedom in Tajikistan's "information space." At present, there are no daily newspapers in Tajikistan, and the majority of publications are state-owned. The Tajik president outlined a print-media expansion strategy, the central element of which is an exemption from paying the 20-percent value added tax.
"In order to develop [print] media further and ensure its independence
Olivia Allison is a researcher on a fellowship, currently based in Almaty, Kazakhstan. She is studying media developments in Central Asia.
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