Inconvenient Questions: Televisual representations and the building of Kyrgyz national identity Greta Uehling

Methodology Annual, nationally representative surveys in Kyrgyzstan 2004-2008 (n=2000) Four focus groups in 2007 and four in 2008 Interviews with the moderator in 2007 and 2008 Interviews and correspondence with the Kyrgyz Service director

Television used most often

Awareness and reach As high as 58 percent of general population aware of the Kyrgyz service of the international broadcaster As high as 35.5 percent of the general population watch the weekly Inconvenient Questions program regularly

Dissatisfaction with state television On UTRK, they always show only programs that praise the authorities, they only show the positive things. If you believe this, you will think that our life is good. They don’t talk about our problems. (2007, female, 21, student, incomplete higher education) They became so untrustworthy that even small children ask not to switch on the Kyrgyz channel, saying that it lies. (2007, female, 42, inspector, higher education)

Value placed on openness Previously, I thought that I new the truth, but learned the real truth only after having watched the program. (2008, female, 21, student, incomplete higher education) If the program keeps on choosing timely and burning subjects, the demand for the program will be high; the people will be interested. (2008, female, 37, entrepreneur, higher education)

International broadcasting in Kyrgyz Composite of western and Kyrgyz images and symbols Styles adopted from western mass media extend American interests and help develop Kyrgyz national consciousness

Media outlets transcend national boundaries