The dialogue between national and foreign mass media experts, legislators and media representatives was imitated by Institute on studying civil society, Public Fund on support and development of independent mass media and information agencies of Uzbekistan, National Association of electronic mass media of Uzbekistan.

The organizers noted that the forum allowed participants to exchange opinion and experience in development of legal and organization base of mass media activity, use of modern ICT in activity of mass media, improvement of specialists training.

In particular, the participants discussed interaction of mass media and state bodies in ensuring transparency of democratic reforms, freedom of speech and role of mass media in public control Besides, they discussed development of party press n Uzbekistan and professional growth of national mass media to international standards.

Speaking about interaction of mass media and authorities, US expert Victor Jakovich, president of Jakovich International, said that topic on interaction of mass media with civil society and state is important for international community as well. This topic has several visions and several aspects. It is worth to mention that currently new means of information transfer are appearing in the market along with traditional media such as newspapers, radio and television, which provides new opportunities and challenges to the government, he added.

Mayi Jnidarshich, deputy director of Regional Dialogue NGO (Slovenia) said that the mass media play important role in civil society institute. She said that the people elect the government and it should inform public about their activity and mass media plays as mean mediator.

She said that mass media of Uzbekistan are actively developing and recently various materials and opinions are published, which shows positive development of media market and improvement of competition.

Commenting professional growth and development of the Uzbek media, reporter of Indian magazine “Politics Evnets” Dhar Mohar Krishen said that after gaining independence of Uzbekistan, local mass media changed significantly.

In particular, he said that many newspapers and television channels, both private and government owned, appeared in the market. There are many entertainment programmes and comments to events in the country and world.

Sajjad Malik, senior editor of Daily News (Pakistan) said that mass media is controllers of activity of state bodies and officials. He said it is important that public had opportunity to control ongoing processes and participate in adopting decisions, while mass media should serve as bridge to link government and population.