President Mirziyoyev congratulates mass media representatives on the Day of Press and Mass Media Workers

Congratulations to the press and mass media workers were published by the press service of the head of state.

“I am sincerely glad to congratulate you and the veterans of the sphere on the Day of Press and Mass Media Workers, to express my deep respect and good wishes to all of you. Your professional holiday this year is taking place on the eve of the great, most dear date for all of us - the 30th anniversary of the independence of our Motherland, which gives it special meaning and significance,” the President noted.

Mirziyoyev said that increasing the role and influence of the media in society, the effectiveness of their activities, strengthening the material-technical base and personnel potential, all-round stimulation of the work of workers in the sphere is a priority task.

“Generations, creative schools, ideas about the profession and the tasks of the media are changing. The Internet age dictates new requirements and rules. At present, national journalism, while gaining a lot of experience, at the same time faces some difficulties, and we must together think about how to overcome them. I am convinced that preservation of the best achievements and traditions in the field of mass media accumulated over the years, strict adherence to the principles of the rule of law and objectivity, respect for the honor and dignity of a citizen, his right to an independent opinion, as well as high professionalism will always be the main criteria of your work,” the head of state said. 

The President stressed that “due to the difficulties of the transition period, a number of our print media are now in a difficult financial situation”.

“In this regard, we support the proposals of the Creative Union of Journalists of Uzbekistan, which recently elected its new head, on a comprehensive discussion of this issue jointly with the Legislative Chamber of Oliy Majlis, the Cabinet of Ministers, the Agency of Information and Mass Communications, chief editors of the leading newspapers and magazines of the republic, and  development of an appropriate program of measures,” he said.

Mirziyoyev said that “the important tasks for us are improving the legal framework of the sphere and protecting the professional activities of journalists, strengthening the dialogue between the state and society, and establishing real public control”. 

“In particular, in the Administrative Responsibility Code, it is necessary to strengthen the norms providing for liability for the commission of actions by officials of state bodies and organizations that impede the work of the media, the establishment of censorship, illegal interference in their activities, pressure on editorial staff, illegal seizure of materials and the necessary technical means from them. I want to emphasize that we will continue to pay special attention to further deepening the processes of democratic renewal in the country, support by the state and society in the media sphere in order to increase the efficiency of their activities, and comprehensive stimulation of the work of journalists. Once again I congratulate you on your professional holiday, I wish you all health, peace, prosperity and new successes in your responsible and honorable work,” the head of state concluded.