On June 27, the mass media of Uzbekistan celebrated their professional holiday. The solemn meeting to mark this date was held in the Uzbek National Academic Drama Theater.

Many good words were said to the press at the ceremony. But the most touching, imbued with warmth and concern greetings was the congratulatory address from President Islam Karimov. Commending the work of journalists, the head of state noted that journalists are representatives of one of the most dedicated profession; they are always in the thick of things, media workers deeply feel and express all aspirations of the people.

In his address the President, speaking about the role of the media also noted the importance of improving the efficiency of the media in achieving our most cherished goal - to take our place among the developed modern democratic states. The President pointed out that ensuring real economic independence of the press is crucial for its sustainable development.

Speaking about the most important challenges facing the media and employees of this sector, the President said, “First, you must be in constant creative search, not indulge in the euphoria, not boast with progress, not glorify anyone, you should raise the qualification standard and reflect the realities of life truthfully and impartially;

Second, deeply acknowledging the assigned great responsibility, the journalist should spare no effort and work tirelessly to improve themselves and their professional knowledge and skills, enrich experience and ingenuity, be able to adequately overcome various challenges;

Third, it will be truthful to say, that in order to achieve such high level of professionalism, every person who have chosen this occupation, should have courage and selflessness;

Fourth, to be loyal to this profession, to love it, and get rid of outdated attitudes and stereotypes, the journalist should stand in the forefront, have a strong position in life and live according to conscience.\"

Further, the President proposed to create an effectively functioning system that will increase the efficacy of press’s power, through attracting public’s attention to the most important publications. \"It would be reasonable if the Creative Union of Journalists of Uzbekistan, on the end of each quarter, would note and evaluate the most relevant and effective materials, published and transmitted by the media, and inform about them in press.

Special attention should be paid to the analytical and critical statements. I think this approach will play an important role in the recognition and evaluation of a decent hard work of journalists. Moreover, it will be another factor contributing to the solution of the problems raised in these materials.

It should be noted that our newspapers, magazines, television and radio stations touch hot topics, that concern many people, but these materials are often stay overlooked due to lack of attention to them by representatives of state authorities and the general public. This indifferent attitude has a negative impact on the creative search of the journalists who work hard during the preparation of an article, as they pass it through their hearts. Such disinterested treatment sometimes takes away journalist’s interest in his work and he loose eagerness. It is disappointing, that as a result of such indifference toward the issues raised by journalists, these problems remain unresolved which inevitably causes damage to our economy and society.

Thus, today, life itself strongly demands the introduction of the approach that improves the efficiency of the media, so the criticized organizations, enterprises and officials objectively evaluate their work and sought to rectify the shortcomings.

In turn, this will enhance the credibility and prestige of the media and journalists in the society and at the same time will increase their responsibility,\" said Islam Karimov.

Every year, on the eve of the professional holiday, the Creative Union of Journalists of Uzbekistan hold the national contest \"Best Journalist of the Year\", which is crucial in identifying self-sacrificing, active, and vigorous workers, who constantly works to bring to the people the essence of the reforms carried out in all spheres of society. This year’s winners were declared at the ceremony. They were awarded with diplomas and valuable presents.

Ministry of Culture and Sport has also awarded the journalists who have greatly contributed to the popularization of sport and healthy lifestyle, and for widespread attraction of young people to the sport.

Good results and work for the future

The country pays special attention to the strengthening of the material-technical base of the media, equipping it with modern information and communication technologies, creation of necessary conditions and opportunities for performance at the world standards level.

More than 10 laws, legislative and normative acts regulating activity of the media have been adopted to date. There are laws \"On Mass Media,\" \"On protection of the professional activities of journalists,\" \"On publishing activity,\" \"On Guarantees and Freedom of Access to Information,\" \"On Advertising,\" \"On Communication\" and others. The existing legislative framework contributes to the consistent quality improvement and effective work of the national press, as well as expands the network of independent media and introduces market mechanisms in information sector.

The analysis of current state and development dynamics of Uzbekistan’s information and media space shows that for a successful and active work of the media Uzbekistan already has an extensive legal framework that continues to evolve, taking into account international experience and the realities of today. The printing press and electronic media of Uzbekistan work according to international standards and best practices of democratic states, and they adequately reflect national values and mentality of the people. Gradual liberalization of the media, activation of non-state press, radio, television, and their increasing integration into the Internet provide transparency to the reforms pursued in the country.

It is important to note that, just as in all other democratic countries, free and independent media nowadays act as an important civil institution in Uzbekistan. They find support from the public institutions, such as the National Association of Electronic Mass-Media (NAEMM), the Public Fund for Support and Development of Independent Print Mass Media and Information Agencies, Creative Union of Journalists of Uzbekistan and others.

Sometimes statistics says brighter that words do. The following figures point out the positive dynamics in the development of the Uzbek media. So their growth and development become evident. For example, in 1991 Uzbekistan had 395 media, today however the figure is 1254. In addition to print, television and radio channels the websites are also being recorded as media. 87% of TV, radio stations and Web sites are non-governmental media. The country\'s media publish and broadcast in seven languages, spoken by people of various nationalities that live in Uzbekistan.

Many of the above mentioned mass-media regularly participate in international forums held both at home and abroad. This fact shows that national media hold an active status in the global information space.

In recent years, several media are in the process of leaving the state administration. Due to active implementation and development of ICT in the country, especially the Internet, there are 173 websites registered as the media in Uzbekistan, according to data on January 1, 2012. After their modernization Uzbekistan has established the satellite transfer of TV and radio programs. Currently, the country\'s telecommunications system has international channels for direct transmission to 28 destinations in 180 countries around the world.

It is also important to note the process of intense specialization of both print and electronic media. Today, apart from the socio-political and economic areas, an increasing number of publications, television and radio programs specializes in such important aspects of modern society, as culture-education, health, children, sports and information technology topics. (Source: “Uzbekistan Today” newspaper)