THE PARADOX OF DIGITAL TRANSITION IN REGIONAL JOURNALISM: A CASE STUDY OF KHOREZM MEDIA

This article investigates the structural and functional transformation of regional press in Uzbekistan during the digital era, focusing specifically on publications in the Khorezm region. Through a comparative analysis of archival print media from 2019 and contemporary digital platforms (2024–2026), significant shifts in journalistic roles and methods of public engagement have been identified.While traditional print outlets historically maintained a strong analytical capacity, their transition to digital platforms—particularly Telegram—is characterized by a decline in original content and an increase in “repost-based” information dissemination. Strategic Future: The research findings demonstrate that the future of regional journalism depends on moving away from passive information relay toward proactive, community-oriented digital strategies.