Applications open for the XIX “Oltin Qalam” national journalism awards

The contest aims to promote cutting-edge achievements in national and international journalism, foster a new way of thinking aligned with the spirit of the New Uzbekistan, enrich national content, uphold human dignity, raise awareness and critical thinking among the population, strengthen transparency and openness in society, encourage civic engagement among media professionals, and develop analytical thinking and creative innovation among journalists.

Main Awards

1. The Grand National Award

Television category:

• National award for the best journalistic piece (1st, 2nd, and 3rd places)

Radio category:

• National award for the best journalistic piece (1st, 2nd, and 3rd places)

Print media category:

• National award for the best journalistic piece (1st, 2nd, and 3rd places)

Online media category:

• National award for the best journalistic piece (1st, 2nd, and 3rd places)

Best article about Uzbekistan written by a foreign journalist:

• One 1st place winner, and four 2nd place winners (in TV, radio, print, and online media)

Additionally, 12 special categories will be introduced, with details to be announced later.

Prizes and recognition

• The Grand Prize winner will receive a special diploma, the Oltin Qalam statuette, and a car.
• 1st place winners will be awarded a diploma, Oltin Qalam statuette, and a cash prize equal to 200 times the base calculation unit (BCU).
• 2nd place winners will receive a diploma, statuette, and 175 BCUs.
• 3rd place winners will receive a diploma, statuette, and 150 BCUs.
• Winners of the special nominations will each receive a diploma, statuette, and 100 BCUs.

Entry guidelines

Each participant may submit 5 to 7 works published in print or online media, or aired on radio or television between April 30, 2024, and April 30, 2025.

For entries by media collectives:

• Print outlets must submit 5–7 issues of the publication.
• Broadcast outlets must submit electronic versions or links to 5–7 of their best radio or television programs.

Applicants entering the “Best Publicistic Book Published in 2024” category must submit one of their books to the Union of Journalists of Uzbekistan.

Required documents

Each submission must include:

• A brief biography of the author, including professional background
• A copy of the author’s passport or ID card, and phone number
• For collective entries: a media registration certificate or a copy of the ID of the organization’s head

Submissions will be accepted through the Union of Journalists of Uzbekistan, its regional branches, Uzbekistan’s diplomatic missions abroad (with support from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs), and directly from authors electronically from the announcement date until May 25.