Uzbek media to become more independent as government takes new measures

Presidential decree "On further measures to ensure the independence of the media and the development of the press services of state bodies and organizations" was adopted.

According to the document, starting October 1, 2019 publishers specialized in the publication of children's literature, as well as products intended for persons with disabilities, are exempt from paying the state fee for the issuance of a license for publishing.

The resolution of the head of state established that:

a) employees of the press services of state bodies and organizations are appointed mainly from among persons with higher education in the field of journalism.

b) heads of press services of state bodies and organizations:

- at the same time are the press secretary of the state body and the organization, have the status of the adviser to the head on questions of information policy and under the terms of payment, medical and transport services are equal to the deputy head of the state body and the organization;

- are appointed with the consent of the Agency respectively, information and mass media or its territorial divisions;

- pass certification in the Agency every three years.

c) the structures of the Central offices of state bodies and organizations, the Council of Ministers of the Republic of Karakalpakstan, khokimiyats of regions and the city of Tashkent, districts (cities) should be provided with a press service.

The Agency of information and mass communications coordinates information activities of state bodies and organizations.

Heads of state bodies and organizations:

- are personally responsible for the provision of press services with modern material and technical means, including TVs, photo and video, high-speed Internet access, the necessary software products, as well as for attracting qualified personnel;

- the right to pay employees of press services, regardless of other payments, a monthly allowance of at least 50 percent of the wage fund at the expense of the state budget of the Republic of Uzbekistan and own funds of state bodies and organizations.

Placement and updating of information on the websites of state bodies and organizations, in social networks, on the pages of mobile messengers are carried out by the press services at least once a day.