President congratulates press and media workers

President Shavkat Mirziyoyev congratulated creative and technical workers, dedicated journalists and respected veterans working in Uzbekistan’s print and online publications, television and radio channels, information and media services, publishing houses and printing enterprises on June 27 — Press and Mass Media Workers’ Day.

“I once again express that I consider all of you — patriotic journalists with high knowledge and potential — to be my constant like-minded colleagues and devoted friends.

This year, this blessed occasion is being celebrated at a time when it has been 120 years since our Jadid ancestors founded the Taraqqiy newspaper, the foundation of our national press, and 100 years since radio broadcasts were first transmitted experimentally in our country. This gives the holiday a special significance.

Ten years ago, relying on the principles of democracy, openness and transparency, and the noble idea of ‘For human dignity, for human happiness,’ we began building New Uzbekistan. In the short period that has passed, thanks to the selfless and honorable work of our multinational people, we have achieved great success in this regard,” the President’s congratulatory message reads.

The message also noted that notable work is being carried out to ensure freedom of speech in society, support the media, expand the openness of state bodies, digitalize the information sphere and form a modern media space.

“As a result of the strong legal framework that has been created, as well as the benefits and preferences provided, the material and technical base of the sector has been strengthened, and the share of the private sector in it is increasing year by year. Today, 67% of nearly 2,700 mass media outlets, more than 90% of publishing entities and 83% of printing enterprises belong to the non-state sector. This year, the production capacity of publishing houses doubled compared with last year, and more than 60 million copies of books in an average of 15,000 titles were published,” the message says.

It was noted that these indicators show the liberalization of the information sphere in the country, efforts to raise the culture of reading, support media activities and expand the market for information services. At a time when the flow of information is rapidly increasing and deepfake technologies are spreading widely, paying special attention to the reliability of sources has also become an important skill in the country. In a short period, a modern education system covering 10,000 young people through various media projects has been formed.

“We consider free, responsible and people-oriented journalism to be one of the necessary conditions for the development of society and the state. In this regard, new measures will be implemented to further expand opportunities for media workers, strengthen the protection of their rights and interests, improve their professional skills and qualifications, including ensuring their social protection, encouraging their work, strengthening their health and improving their living conditions.

I also believe it is necessary to improve the activities of the Union of Journalists of Uzbekistan, increase its authority and expand its participation in the reform process. This is because today’s rapidly changing era itself places new and urgent tasks before this public association. Life itself requires serious attention to issues such as protecting the rights and interests of journalists, providing them with legal and information-technology assistance, supporting them in every way and ensuring their professional solidarity,” the President’s message reads.

The message also stated that it is important to continue Media Week events in the future, which were held for the first time across the country over three months with the participation of more than 12,000 representatives of the sector, including young journalists.

“As the head of state, I am always ready to provide all assistance and support so that our national mass media, while serving as a strong bridge between the state and society, become a powerful spiritual force that unites our people around national interests and leads our compatriots, especially our young people, toward noble goals.

Dear members of the press,

Taking this opportunity, I sincerely congratulate from the bottom of my heart the representatives of the sector who have received high state awards on the occasion of today’s joyful date.

Once again, I congratulate you on your professional holiday and wish you all strong health, family happiness and new success in your work.

May your pen always be sharp, your words truthful and impactful, and your creativity fruitful,” the congratulatory message says.