It was noted that Uzbekistan created firm legislative base directed at further liberalizing and democratizing information sphere. It said that the country carried out huge work on developing independent mass media and increasing efficiency of national print. It was underlined that strengthening economic independence of mass media, improving their material-technical base, equipping with advanced media technologies and equipment, and increasing professional skills of journalists are on focus of the government.

Andijan and Syrdarya regions are carrying out work on execution of the law “On Mass media” and law “On publishing activity”. Currently, there are 32 newspaper, two magazines, three TV and three radio stations. Number of state media makes up 18, inter-industry – six and non-state and private – 17.

Some 24 newspapers, one magazine, one TV and one radio station are operating in Syrdarya region, of which 18 are state outlets and six – non-state and private media.

Mass media of the regions cover public-political, social-economic and cultural life of their areas. But there are also some shortages in their activities. It was said that they feel shortage of employees and there were facts of incorrect registration of constitution documents of mass media, etc. It was said that media outlets use materials from Internet due to shortage of young specialists.

The participants underlined that it is necessary to improve skills of mass media outlets, modernize publishing infrastructure, attract foreign investment and introduce new information technologies to publishing sector.

At the end of the session, the committee developed concrete recommendations, directed at further improving national legislation in information sector and eliminating these shortages.