The reinforcement of the role and place of mass media in the system of civil society institutions, further liberalization of their activities, open and impartial and prompt informing of the wider public with the wide-scale reforms underway in Uzbekistan – all of these critical tasks are defined by the times we live in and meet the conditions of dynamic development of our nation.



A particular emphasis has been placed during the independence years on raising the quality and potency of mass media activities, the skills of journalists, and public confidence in the media. As President Islam Karimov notes, it is imperative that every journalist, who considers himself/herself a patriot, make their own input into the consolidation of the independence of our country, the elevation of its standing in the international arena, furthering of the interests of Motherland in the current intricate and uneven times – being especially true in the case of our region. It is essential that the journalist plainly understand the ambiguous realities of the present day and urge people to safeguard peace, stability and harmony.

These key challenges our mass media face have found a bright illustration in the festivities of the holiday being widely celebrated across the country – June 27, the Day of Press and Mass Media Workers.

An official meeting dedicated to the holiday has taken place at the Uzbek National Academic Drama Theater. The occasion was attended by representatives of ministries and other agencies, public organizations, mass media workers, publishers, printing industry workers, professors and teachers of journalism faculties in higher education institutions.

Khayriddin Sultanov, State Adviser to the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan, read out the greeting address of the head of our state to the press and media workers.

Chairman of the Creative Union of Journalists of Uzbekistan Sh.Gulamov, Minister of Culture and Sports of the Republic of Uzbekistan M.Khojimatov, Director General of the Uzbek Agency for Press and Information O.Yunusov and other speakers underlined that a special significance in the process of democratic reforms under the leadership of President Islam Karimov has been attached to reinforcing the freedom of information, to securing the mass media as an arena for the wider public to freely express their views and attitude to current events.

During the independent development, this sphere has been cardinally revitalized and is evolving to cater to the contemporary requirements. 1,326 entities of mass media are currently operating in Uzbekistan; the number has multiplied 3.5 times in comparison to figures in the year 1991. Nearly 53 percent of print media, more than 64 percent of television and radio channels, in excess of 98 percent of websites are non-governmental.

The media are published in nine languages spoken by the diverse ethnic groups living in our country. The number of multilingual web portals has been rising, too. Today, Uzbekistan’s telecommunications system boasts direct international channels in 28 designations with access to 180 nations of the world via artificial satellite.

The media representatives have been vigorous in the process of elaboration and adoption of new laws directed at bolstering this sphere, the bills being worked out in accordance with the Concept of Intensifying the Democratic Reforms and Forming Civil Society in the Country initiated by President Islam Karimov. The draft laws have included those on “Openness of the Activities of Governance and Management Bodies”, “TV and Radio Broadcasting”, “Economic Foundations of the Activities of Mass Media”, “Guarantees of State Support for Mass Media”. Their adoption is expected to be instrumental in boosting the freedom of mass media and reinforcing public control mechanisms.

In accordance with the presidential resolution on the “Provision of Additional Tax Benefits and Preferences for the Further Development of Mass Media” signed 30 December 2011, publishing houses, printing enterprises and organizations for the distribution of print media are offered a range of tax and customs privileges. This serves as an important factor for the continuation of modernization in the publishing and printing industry, uplifting the salaries and proficiency of workers of this sphere in line with contemporary requirements.

The national review contest “The Journalist of the Year” traditionally organized by the Creative Union of Journalists of Uzbekistan has facilitated the discovery, material and moral stimulation of selfless, vigorous and initiative-driven media workers who labor tirelessly to inform the population about the essence and significance of the wide-ranging transformation in progress across all walks of life in our society. This year, the competition received around three thousand creative works from 142 journalists.

The winners and prize holders of the “The Journalist of the Year” national review contest were awarded diplomas and valuable gifts at the official event.

Also, the Ministry of Culture and Sports of the Republic of Uzbekistan awarded a group of journalists at the occasion who have been making considerable contribution to the popularization of sports in our country, to the propaganda of healthy lifestyle in the society, to the efforts aimed at the extensive engagement of the youth in sports.

The development of media environment in Uzbekistan has enjoyed remarkable input also from publishers and printing industry personnel. In order to provide a worthwhile stimulus to the activities of publishers and printing sector, the Uzbek Agency for Press and Information has set up its own awards in nominations like “The Best Publishing House”, “The Best Printing Enterprise”, “The Best Bookbinder”, “The Best Printing Master” and “The Best Production Engineer”. Relevant diplomas and valuable presents were awarded to winners in these nominations.

Speaking on behalf of award winners, senior editor of the “Yoshlar” TV Channel Nasriddin Asriddinov, senior lecturer at the Faculty of Journalism at the Karakalpak State University – duty editor of “Karakalpak State University Herald” Tamara Masharipova, the correspondent of Uzbekistan Today weekly Ekaterina Soboleva expressed their sincere gratitude to President Islam Karimov for the constant attention and care for ensuring all the necessary conditions are there for the domestic mass media to carry out their activities at world standard levels, for the President’s support and incentives for the work of creative staff.

“When listening to the greeting address from the head of our state, I came to understand even deeper how greatly one feels happy to work for the good of the independent native land,” said Habib Pulatov, winner of the “The Journalist of the Year 2012” review contest, NTT Channel reporter. “The tremendous care of the head of our state urges one for creative search, inspires for the further elevation of vibrancy in the journalist activities and, in addition, puts in huge responsibility for prompt and detached coverage of the essence and importance of the truly outstanding results of the wide-ranging reforms in our country.”

The official festive event ended with a concert show with the participation of art figures and young performers. On the same day, outdoor fête for media workers and their families was organized at the Gafur Gulam Park of Culture and Recreation.

The official meeting was attended by Deputy Prime Ministers of the Republic of Uzbekistan E.Basitkhanova and A.Ikramov. (Source: Uzbekistan National Agency “UzA”)