The International “round table” was held in the Media Hall of the National Association of Electronic Mass Media (NAEMM) of Uzbekistan on the topic “Strengthening guarantees of media freedom in the conditions of development of market relations, competition in the information sphere: the experience of Uzbekistan”.
In the event participated senators and deputies of the Oliy Majlis of Uzbekistan, representatives of state and public organizations, diplomatic corps and international organizations, as well as heads of non-state TV and radio stations and artists .
The purpose of the International “round table” was to strengthen the independence of the media, create the necessary conditions for their free and effective activities, and discuss their role in building a democratic rule of law and an open civil society, sharing experience in these issues, developing proposals and recommendations.
At the event, it was noted that the “round table” was first organized at the initiative of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan. The concept of “freedom of the press” is very well associated with the work of NAEMM. Last year, in Uzbekistan, four new TV channels started their activities. At the initiative of the government, frequencies were allocated for regional TV channels and 15 radio stations. Since last year NAEMM started working with international organizations.
In addition, within the framework of the event, the traditional national festival “Journalists spring” was held, within the framework of which a fair of national dishes and costumes was organized, as well as stage performances by masters. Also there was a competition for cooking Uzbek pilaf with the participation of skillful chefs, and the winners were awarded with special diplomas, cash prizes and memorable gifts.
The participant of the event Mr. Dendev Badarch, the Acting Representative of UNESCO in Uzbekistan, noted that the event once again demonstrated the great changes in the media sphere that are taking place in Uzbekistan.
He said that the recent changes and amendments to the law on mass media, which indicate that the country’s leadership supports a positive transformation in the sphere of the press and freedom of speech, can serve as a good example.
-As you know, the 25th time we celebrate World Press Freedom Day. Therefore, this is a historic event in the life not only of journalists, but of the whole society. We work with the journalists of Uzbekistan and exchange experience in the preparation of the programs of world news. Already managed to conduct 5 trainings for young TV-men, he added.
Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Great Britain to Uzbekistan Christopher Allan noted that it is especially gratifying that the President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev pays great attention to the development of the media, and in recent years there have been major changes in this direction.
The role of the media in the implementation of reforms is very important, and now all the necessary conditions are created for foreign journalists.
