A media preferences survey entitled “The Determination of Media Preferences of the Population of Tajikistan: TV, Radio, Print Media, Sites, Social Networking Media and Messengers” was presented in Dushanbe on June 7.

More than 2,500 people were reportedly surveyed across the country in February-March this year.

According to the survey findings, 94 percent of those surveyed prefer to watch TV and the number of users of satellite dishes has reportedly increased to 62.9 percent.  

Citizens of Tajikistan prefer to watch TV news (73.4 percent of those surveyed), musical programs (34.2 percent) and movies (28.1 percent). 

Citizens of Tajikistan reportedly give preference to the national TV channels: Tojikiston TV (66.8 percent of those surveyed); Safina TV (62.3 percent); and Bahoriston TV (33.4 percent). 

93.3 percent of those surveyed give prefer to Tajik TV channels, 45 percent – Russian TV channels. 32.1 percent – Uzbek TV channels, 23.4 percent – Iranian TV channels, and 13.6 percent – Afghan TV channels.  

Compared to last year, an audience of radio stations has reportedly decreased by 9 percent.  40.5 percent of those surveyed said that they listen to radio.    

Among the state-run radio stations the most popular is Sadoi Dushanbe, and among the independent radio stations the post popular is Imrouz.     

Among the state-run newspapers the most popular is Jumhuriyat (the mouthpiece of the government), and among the independent newspapers the most popular is Oila.

The majority of those surveyed say they mostly visit YouTube (American video-sharing website), Odnoklassniki (social network service for classmates and old friends) and Facebook (American online social media).

Among the local news websites the most popular are somon.tj, Ozodi and Asia-Plus.  

The most popular messengers are IMO and Viber.    

According to the data from the Ministry of Culture, 376 newspapers (112 state-run and 264 independent papers), 345 magazines (114 state-run and 131 independent magazines), ten news agencies, including one state-run and nine independent ones, 34 TV channels, including 8 national channels and 26 regional TV stations, and 29 radio stations of different forms property now function in Tajikistan.