Since the beginning of the war, the media in Tajikistan were operating under obsolete laws, in dismal economic conditions and in a violent political climate. In this sense, there has been little improvement. The death and disappearance of journalists during the civil war and different conflicts between government and opposition forces has led to a climate of fear and self-censorship. The government has been complicit in perpetuating this atmosphere, by a continued policy of detention, removal of accreditation on the basis of criticism, charges of slander and participation in conspiracy and by disrupting transmission.
Journalists are also at risk from opposition forces.
Newspaper circulations are low, distribution is disrupted, papers go months without publishing and are crippled by financial problems. Private television channels now operate, and this is a significant change which has occurred over the last two years. These independent broadcasters have also been hit with financial difficulties however and several have closed since opening only recently. While the government controls the means of broadcasting and the right to own a license, private television companies are forced to consider what is and is not acceptable to the authorities if they wish to continue to survive. A greater part of media available in Tajikistan is under the control of the government, which is openly and actively discouraging of any criticism of itself.