The President of the Republic of Uzbekistan congratulated workers of press and media on their professional holiday, which is celebrated in the country on June 27:

- Dear friends!

It gives me a great pleasure to sincerely congratulate you, workers of media, publishing and printing spheres, with your professional holiday, to express my respect and best wishes to all of you.

It is twenty years as June 27 was announced in Uzbekistan as the Day of workers of press and media. This wonderful holiday in our country is widely celebrated not only by representatives of this sphere, but also by all intellectuals, millions of people enjoying the results of their work and labor.

Undoubtedly, during this short historical period, mass media of Uzbekistan is became as a mirror of deep social and political reform held in the country, democratic renewal, meeting requirements of the time, a powerful force influencing to the change in thinking and outlook of our people, in a word, our constant companion, without which, it is impossible to imagine the modern life.

Today, analyzing the way of the independent development which we have passed, the construction of a new life, we are once more assured in, that our nation is well aware and highly evaluates your significant contribution in achievements of the great success in all spheres, implementation of great changes, results of which are admitted by a world society.

It is encouraging that prestige and influence of mass media is steadily increasing, gaining more trust and respect of our society as the \"fourth power\". It is primarily based on the hard daily and painstaking work of journalists, often remaining out of sight of humble editors, publishers, thousands and thousands of workers of printing spheres and modern informational communication industries.

Sure, the invaluable role of press and mass media in operative and objective coverage of the ongoing reforms, bringing to the public the essence and significance of the legislative acts and programs aimed at solving of today’s challenges and the long-term prospects, to conquer high frontiers in gaining by Uzbekistan the right place among developed nations of the world, and, that is especially important, to mobilize the strength and capabilities of our nation and increase its spiritual potential in achieving these noble goals. Implementation of such a responsible task, you, my dear friends, bravely took over and carry with honor this heavy burden on your shoulders.

I think, there is no need to say much about the meaning and impact of print, television and other media means – the sphere, acquiring a critical role in the lives of all nations and people of the world in the era of globalization.

Country that does not consider in its development the fact that at present, society, its civil institutions, the life of each person is inseparable and immediate link with the information and communication sphere will inevitably be left on the side of global progress and will be deprived of its intellectual wealth.

It’s noteworthy that taking into account this truth, proved in practice, in our country with a view to strengthen material and technical basis of mass media, that their activity is more consistent to the modern requirements, increasing in society the role and status of this sphere’s workers, in order to encourage their not easy work were implemented large scale reforms, technical and technological upgrading in central and regional television channels, in regional newspapers, on more than 150 publishing and 1630 printing agencies. In addition, to mass media, publishing, printing companies and organizations for distribution of print have been provided additional tax benefits and preferences. And all of these measures yield tangible results today.

In Uzbekistan, in order to ensure a high level of population\'s needs for information and improve the quality of TV programs has been held the consistent transition to a digital television. It is noteworthy that in a current year it is provided to expand the coverage by digital broadcasting, from 42 to 45 percent.

In particular, in recent years at the National Television and Radio Company of Uzbekistan organized new channels \"Madaniyat va Ma’rifat \" (\"Culture and Enlightenment\"), \"Dunyo bo’ylab\" (\"Around the World\"), \"Bolajon\" (\"Kid\"), which is undoubtedly , is another important step in this direction.

The bright confirmation of continuing growth of potential of mass media means in Uzbekistan is that, since 1991 their number had increased by 3.5 times and has now reached 1326 and was effectively established a network of independent media means as an important factor in formation of civil society, and also, along with traditional information systems in our lives, the more important role are playing internet sites, internet radio and internet television.

Programs and broadcasting television and radio channels of Uzbekistan through a global network of real-time are being broadcasted in many countries of the world, most of the national media means have their own websites. Naturally, it serves to strengthen the country\'s position in the international media space.

In today\'s holiday, I think it would be appropriate not only to note these positive results, but also objectively and comprehensively discuss and exchange views on current challenges existing in front of press and mass media sphere on issues which require the solvation.

In this regards, I consider it is important to draw your attention to the fact that the development of our spiritual life, the implementation of policies in this area carried out in accordance with the current rapidly changing time, we must treasure national values that embody our identity and way of thinking and at the same time rely on human values and achievements of world civilization. Exactly these criteria should be the basic principles of press and media’s activity.

Of course, all of us are glad, that today in our country formed a new generation of journalists that meet these requirements, freed from the remnants of the old regime and stereotypes, deeply mastered the modern information and communication technologies along with foreign languages.

We are all well aware that at present it is extremely important for media of Uzbekistan to conquer the right place in the global information space. In this connection, I would like to point out that in order to implement such an actual problem of our state and society, and I personally prepared to take all necessary measures to support and stimulate various issues of concern existed in front of you, journalists.

As you know, our society values the work of journalists primarily for their involvement in the fate of the country and people, their citizenship position, social responsibility, and I am sure it is the most correct and objective assessment.

From this point of view in this current turbulent and troubled time our people have right to expect from you, dear journalists, even more initiative and activity in maintaining and strengthening of the peace and quiet, free, and prosperous life. First of all, we should not forget that in the education of the young, younger generation of independently minded individuals, deeply aware, as successors of the great history and heritage, we are able to appreciate the priceless treasure, to be worthy successors of the great things we started, very important, we can say, significant meaning has a power and influence of the mass media, the word of journalist.

Dear friends!

Today, widely celebrating the Day of workers of press and mass media, I once again would like to sincerely congratulate with this wonderful holiday respected veterans, all representatives of this sphere, those who devotedly working for the sake of the great goals set in front of our nation.

I wish all of you health, happiness, good luck and new creative successes! (Source: Uzreport Agency)