Uzbekistan increases number of foreign TV channels almost fourfold, more than half of them are Russian

TASHKENT. Dec 14 (Interfax) - The broadcast schedule of foreign TV channels in Uzbekistan has been increased from 50 to 192, the country's Agency of Information and Mass Communications reported.

More than half of them are Russian media outlets, it said.

"The list of 50 foreign TV channels that were previously allowed to broadcast in our country has been amended and has been increased to 192 TV channels," the Agency of Information and Mass Communications said.

It was done "to secure citizens' right to full and unbiased information and to expand the possibilities of receiving information from various sources," the agency said.

The list includes some 100 Russian TV channels, including federal channels such as Channel One, NTV, Rossiya, Rossiya 24, TVTs, TV-3, Mir, Zvezda, and also TV channels such as the BBC, CNN, Bloomberg, France 24, China's CGTN, and Turkey's TRT.

According to the Agency of Information and Mass Communications, the TV channels included in the updated list are accessible on the networks of operators and providers of commercial television through secure broadcasts, cable and IP television, mobile communications, satellite networks, and Internet sites.

"Foreign channels are broadcasting on the territory of Uzbekistan with the observance of copyright and related rights based on national legislation and international regulations and requirements, with the conclusion of agreements with the owners of foreign content or with their consent," the agency said in a report.