Winners of the international competition for the XIII National award in journalism “Oltin Qalam” (“Golden Pen”), established in connection with May 3 – World Press Freedom Day, were awarded in Turkiston Palace, in Tashkent. 

In this regard, members of the Senate of the Oliy Majlis of the Republic of Uzbekistan, deputies of the Legislative Chamber, representatives of media structures of all categories, professors and teachers of higher education institutions, young artists, representatives of diplomatic corps and representative offices of international organizations accredited in Uzbekistan were invited to attend the event.

The international competition for the National award “Oltin Qalam” was held by the Creative Union of Journalists of Uzbekistan and the Center for Retraining Journalists in cooperation with the Public Fund for Support and Development of Independent Print Media and News Agencies, the National TV and Radio Company, the Ministry of Culture, the Council of the Federation of Trade Unions, Uzreport Information Agency.

There are more than 1500 mass media in Uzbekistan. Non-governmental media account for 53 percent of print media and 85 percent of TV and radio channels. More than 330 websites are registered as mass media, 98 percent of which are also operating in non-governmental sector.

In the current competition, 523 journalists submitted about 7100 materials for the XIII National award “Oltin Qalam”. According to the decision of the jury members, the Main National Prize of the competition was not awarded to anyone. Among the competition participants, winners in the fields of television, radio, print media and Internet publications, as well as holders of incentive awards were identified.

The costs associated with competition and awarding winners have been financed from “Ilhom” public fund.

Nazokat Usmanova, photos by Otabek Mirsoatov, UzA