The reform of state print media has begun in Kyrgyzstan, initiated by a decree from the country's president. This was reported by Marat Tagaev, Deputy Minister of Culture, Information, and Youth Policy of the Kyrgyz Republic.
Tagaev noted that previously the newspapers "Kyrgyz Tuusu" and "Slovo Kyrgyzstana," as well as the magazines "Baichichekey," "Kyrchyn," and "Zhetkinchek," operated independently of each other. Some of these publications operated on a commercial basis and independently paid salaries to their employees.
"Now an important decision has been made. The magazines 'Kyrchyn' and 'Zhetkinchek' have been liquidated, and based on them, as well as on the basis of other publications, a new publishing house has been formed — 'Kyrgyz Tuusu'," he added.
The new publishing house includes the newspapers "Kyrgyz Tuusu" and "Slovo Kyrgyzstana," as well as the newly created literary magazine "Ala-Too" and the children's magazine "Baichichekey." All these publications will now be funded by the state.
The Deputy Minister emphasized that the salaries of employees will be fully covered by the state budget, and author royalties will come from a special fund.
In addition, as part of the reform, the unification of management and administrative functions will take place. "Previously, each publication had its own director, accounting, and managers, but now there will be a single publishing house with a centralized management system," Tagaev explained.
He also noted that the changes will not lead to a reduction in content or the closure of national publications. "The goal of the reform is to streamline, eliminate duplicative functions, and use budgetary funds more rationally. The saved funds will be directed towards content development, improving material quality, and modernizing publications," concluded the Deputy Minister.
