Tajikistan to launch state TV channel for foreign languages

Tajikistan is set to introduce a new state television channel dedicated to foreign language education by the end of 2024. The initiative stems from a directive by President Emomali Rahmon, aiming to provide educational content that assists viewers in acquiring new languages.

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The channel is being established in line with a directive issued by President Emomali Rahmon in 2024.

The Committee for TV and Radio Broadcasting announced the plan, emphasizing the educational goals of the new broadcaster. This development comes as some media experts voice concerns about the financial burden and modernization challenges faced by existing state-funded television channels, many of which are seen as failing to meet public needs or adapt to current broadcasting standards.

Separately, the committee noted a lack of interest in establishing nationwide private television channels, reporting no applications received in the past year. Currently, Tajikistan hosts 16 private TV channels, all operating at local or regional levels, with private broadcasters primarily renewing existing licenses. The country's media landscape includes a total of 107 television and radio broadcasters, including 15 state and 16 private TV channels, and 10 state and 25 private radio stations.

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The new broadcaster will air educational programs aimed at helping viewers learn foreign languages.

Furthermore, the chairman of the committee, Nosir Saidzoda, discussed a decline in television and radio advertising revenue since the centralization of advertising placement under the Unified Advertising Center. While he attributed the drop partly to stricter review processes, he also highlighted an improvement in advertisement quality and adherence to Tajik language norms. The center's digital platform is expected to launch soon, enabling electronic application and monitoring for advertisers.

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The committee had not received a single application to establish one over the past year.