This study investigates how journalism education in Uzbekistan is represented in both traditional and digital media, and examines the impact of such coverage on the image of journalism faculties. The research highlights the growing challenges faced by Uzbek journalism programs, including outdated curricula, insufficient practical training, limited access to modern newsroom technologies, and inadequate faculty development opportunities. Employing a multi-method approach, the study analyzes content from national newspapers (Kun.uz, Uzbekistan Today), television news, and social media platforms (Telegram, Facebook, Instagram) between 2018 and 2025. Through qualitative content analysis and frequency counts, recurring themes, the tone of reporting, and the relative emphasis of different issues are identified. The findings reveal that media coverage is predominantly critical, focusing on institutional shortcomings, though positive narratives about student achievements and international collaborations also exist. The study concludes that media representation significantly shapes public perception of journalism faculties, affecting institutional credibility, student engagement, and policy decisions. Strategic and proactive engagement with both traditional and digital media is recommended to enhance faculty image, showcase achievements, and support ongoing educational reforms in line with international standards.

Journalism faculties, media representation, higher education challenges

Hutchins, B., & Rowe, D. (2012). Sport beyond television: The internet, digital media and the rise of networked media sport. Routledge. https://doi.org/10.4324/9780203816111

McNair, B. (2017). An introduction to political communication (6th ed.). Routledge. https://doi.org/10.4324/9781315683439

Weaver, D., & Wilhoit, G. C. (2020). The American journalist in the digital age: News reporting and news management. Routledge. https://doi.org/10.4324/9781003096331

Kun.uz. (2018–2025). Various articles on journalism education in Uzbekistan. Retrieved from https://kun.uz

Uzbekistan Today. (2018–2025). Various articles on higher education and journalism faculties. Retrieved from https://www.ut.uz

Telegram. (2018–2025). Public channels discussing journalism education in Uzbekistan.

Facebook. (2018–2025). Posts and discussions about journalism faculties in Uzbekistan. URL: https://www.facebook.com

Instagram. (2018–2025). Posts highlighting student achievements and journalism education initiatives. Retrieved from https://www.instagram.com