The Centre in Bishkek monitors media pluralism and independence in Kyrgyzstan. Objectives for 2011 include strengthening media freedom and independence, and enhancing journalistic and information standards in a post-conflict context.

The main aims of the Centre in field of media development are:

• supporting media freedom and the safety of journalists,
• promoting legislation in accordance with international standards,
• facilitating media reform,
• offering professional support for journalists,
• providing legal assistance to journalists, and
• addressing post-conflict communication and information nationwide.

Pluralism through legislation and regulation

The OSCE Centre builds its media-related legislative development activities around five components: 1) training for the Parliamentary committee on media and information policy; 2) the review and revision of media-related legislation; 3) legal support to journalists; 4) public roundtables on the state of the media and legislation; 5) training on ethics and standards for Kyrgyz-language media.

Legal support to journalists is about providing legal consultations to media representatives and other stakeholders who, due to their professional activities, are being persecuted. Court cases involving media professionals are monitored, and where necessary, public statements will be made where media pluralism is challenged. The Centre is assisted with implementation of this project by the Media Policy Institute, an NGO.

Work on improving journalistic ethics and standards of the Kyrgyz-language media is held both in Bishkek and the regions. The focus is on training Kyrgyz language print and radio journalists on professional standards, to prevent unsubstantiated articles and the reporting of rumour. Training courses help provide an effective news flow from the provinces to the capital and vice versa.  Sessions in the south are tailored differently, considering inter-ethnic sensitivity, balance, and mediation elements. Training courses will be implemented by the Public Association of Journalists.

Reinforcing public television

Kyrgyz Public Television, transformed in April 2010 from the previous Kyrgyz National TV and Radio, is a long-awaited achievement. The station’s Supervisory Board, elected by the Provisional Government, is a good asset and indicator of more complete model of media freedom. The station needs to be well-maintained and developed, as the result of a long struggle between civil society and some Members of Parliament since 2005. When the station was finally transformed into a public service broadcaster, after the conflict in April 2010, by decree of the Interim Government, the OSCE Representative on the Freedom of the Media assured every support to this commitment.

Addressing the post-conflict communication vacuum

The Centre supports a weekly tri-language newsletter based in Osh, to heal and provide factual information to counter potentially destabilizing rumours. Some 3000 copies will be distributed weekly, free of charge and posted in public areas in the south of Kyrgyzstan. It is staffed by a 10-person Kyrgyz and Uzbek editorial team.

A series of roundtables will be held for the Government Press Service to improve its media outreach. This aims to facilitate dialogue between the Government, journalists, and international organizations in building more effective public communication during crises. It is planned as a follow up to a successful training event for Government spokespersons conducted in 2010.

A website will be created for the Osh City Mayor’s Office. The website will provide up-to-date information on events in Osh city, local news and press releases from the Mayor’s Office, as well as links to municipal services in the city.