The document summarizes the media situation in Central Asia, noting that while countries declare themselves democracies, they are authoritarian in practice. Traditional media is weak and state-controlled, and censorship and restrictive laws limit free speech. New media like blogs offer an alternative for civil journalism, but high costs, lack of skills, and increasing regulation present challenges. The NewEurasia.net project aims to promote citizen media and reporting from the region through training and its network of country blogs.

4. Freedom House survey www.freedomhouse.org