QALAMPIR TURNS 10: Navigating an environment of limited influence

Qamariddin Shaykhov, founder of QALAMPIR.UZ:

As QALAMPIR.UZ, we are proud today to stand before you as a well-established media outlet with a stable, goal-oriented path. We have clearly defined objectives and remain committed to covering all societal changes, achievements, and shortcomings.

Since taking its first steps with confidence in 2015, QALAMPIR has completed a 10-year journey. While this path may not compare in grandeur to the world’s leading media outlets, it is a milestone that marks our place in the history of modern Uzbek media—a history we have written together with our audience.

Today, QALAMPIR.UZ ranks among the top three most popular online media platforms in Uzbekistan. Since the beginning of the year, the site has been visited by more than 119 million users and has become a trusted source of news in the country.

On social media, our reach continues to grow: 4.28 million followers on Instagram, 1.54 million on YouTube, and 325,000 across three Telegram channels. International rankings recognize QALAMPIR.UZ as a steadily developing website over its decade-long journey, a reflection of increasing trust in our work. This recognition also strengthens our financial stability, with major marketing agencies and companies viewing QALAMPIR.UZ as a reliable platform for commercial advertising.

The development of QALAMPIR.UZ coincided with the second administration of independent Uzbekistan. Over recent years, the country has witnessed reforms supporting press freedom, enhancing the status and authority of journalists, and raising the prominence of media in public and governmental life. These reforms have enabled our journalists to operate internationally, competing confidently with peers abroad. To date, our team has reported directly from over ten countries, participating in major conferences, forums, and summits, and has earned both national and international awards.

In recent years, the liberalization of media and expanded opportunities for journalists in Uzbekistan have allowed us to broaden our coverage. We have increased engagement with public concerns, resolving hundreds of issues, and our critical and analytical reporting has contributed to societal change. Yet, the challenges go beyond press freedom alone. Our experience shows that even a free press faces obstacles when executive authorities remain indifferent or dismissive, and when issues raised by media outlets are ignored, leading to frustration among journalists. Unfortunately, today many media outlets in the country operate in an environment of limited influence, where highlighted problems remain unresolved and critical analysis yields little tangible effect. QALAMPIR’s 10th anniversary is thus celebrated within this challenging reality.

We acknowledge that our journey is far from complete. Uzbekistan needs credible, long-standing media institutions. Over the past decade, many media outlets have entered this space, some making notable strides. Yet sustaining a platform, earning audience loyalty, and maintaining public trust is not guaranteed for every outlet. We have witnessed many names come and go. The foundation of lasting success is trust.

Looking ahead, we envision another decade as a committed, resilient, and forward-looking media organization, continuing to pursue our objectives with determination and integrity.