OSCE Centre in Tashkent announces winners of journalism contest

TASHKENT, 27 June 2005 - Stimulating the development of journalism in Uzbekistan, as well as recognizing high-quality work and assembling a collection of best examples was the aim of a contest that ended today in Tashkent.

It was organized by the OSCE Centre in Tashkent and the Eurasia Foundation Tashkent Regional Office. The contest was announced on 3 May - World Press Freedom Day - and ended on the Day of Press and Media Workers of Uzbekistan.

Sixteen journalists received prizes that included digital cameras, digital audio recorders and flash drives.

Journalists submitted entries in newspaper, Internet, TV and radio categories that focused on the social and political processes in Uzbekistan.

Jury members included representatives of the International Centre for Retraining of Journalists, the NGO Internews and renowned journalists. They assessed the submitted work based on professionalism, novelty and commitment to fact-based reporting.

The contest was part of the efforts of OSCE Centre in Tashkent to assist Uzbekistan in promoting media freedom.