I always consider journalists as my like-minded companions and devoted friends — President

President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev extended congratulations to representatives of the field on the occasion of June 27 – Press and Mass Media Workers' Day.

 

"I once again declare that I consider all of you – patriotic journalists with high knowledge and potential – as my constant like-minded associates and devoted friends," said the President.

 

It was also announced that new measures will be implemented to support mass media and protect the rights and interests of journalists.

 

It was noted that this year's professional holiday coincides with the 120th anniversary of the establishment of the "Taraqqiy" newspaper, founded by the Jadids, who are considered the founders of the national press, and the 100th anniversary of the first radio broadcasts in Uzbekistan.

 

The head of state emphasized that in recent years, a number of reforms have been carried out in the areas of ensuring freedom of speech, expanding the transparency of state bodies' activities, digitizing the information sector, and forming a modern media space.

 

According to data, today, 67 percent of the nearly 2,700 mass media outlets in the country, over 90 percent of publishing entities, and 83 percent of printing enterprises belong to the non-governmental sector. Additionally, this year, the production capacity of publishing houses has doubled compared to last year, with over 60 million copies of 15,000 book titles printed.

 

The congratulatory message noted that in conditions where the flow of information is sharply increasing and deepfake technologies are widespread, the ability to distinguish reliable sources is becoming an important skill. It was stated that for this purpose, a modern education system covering 10,000 young people has been formed through various media projects.

 

Shavkat Mirziyoyev emphasized that free and responsible journalism is one of the important conditions for the development of society and the state, and announced that new measures will be implemented aimed at protecting the rights and interests of journalists, improving their professional qualifications, strengthening their social protection, incentivizing their work, improving their health, and enhancing their living conditions.

 

Furthermore, the President noted the need to improve the activities of the Uzbekistan Journalists' Union and expand its participation in reforms. He emphasized the need to pay special attention to issues of legal and information-technological support for journalists and strengthening their professional solidarity.

 

The head of state stated the importance of continuing the Media Week events, which were held for the first time across the country over three months and covered over 12,000 field representatives and young journalists, in the future as well.

 

At the end of the congratulatory message, the President congratulated the field representatives awarded state honors and wished all journalists and media workers good health, family happiness, and creative success. He emphasized that the national mass media will receive comprehensive state support to serve as a strong bridge between the state and society and to become a spiritual force uniting the people based on national interests.