Kyrgyz state media on road to Public Service
The concept of public service broadcasting is central to the transformation of state-controlled TV in Kyrgyzstan. IMS speaks to media expert Jørgen Ramskov about boosting Public Service thinking in Kyrgyzstan
By Astrid Helene Washington
A year after ethnic violence tore through the country, the media infrastructure in Kyrgyzstan still struggles to recuperate. In a step to further media development in the country, IMS organised a three-day seminar for Kyrgyz the Board and media managers of the former state media organisation NTRBC on the notion of public service broadcasting – broadcasting intended for the benefit of the citizens rather than purely for commercial or state concerns. Experienced journalist Jørgen Ramskov and newly appointed head of the Danish radio station 24syv, carried out the seminar on behalf of International Media Support (IMS).
The former state media organisation recently transformed into a Public Service media organisation. NTRBC includes TV and radio as well as internet outlets. Broadcasts are in Russian and Kyrgys, and future broadcasting in Uzbek is being discussed.
– I experienced an eagerness from the participants to learn about public service, a completely new concept to media in Kyrgyzstan. The participants know a lot of things will happen in their media organisation, but they are unsure of exactly what,” explains Jørgen Ramskov, who has years of experience from the Danish Broadcasting Corporation (Danmarks Radio).
– I painted with broad strokes to give the participants a general idea of the concept, who now have received their first input on Public Service, inspiration and ideas for further discussion and work, Jørgen Ramskov says.
The pillars of Public Service
Kyrgyzstan is in a transitional phase politically as well as media-wise after violent ethnic clashes in 2010, including attacks on what was then the state media. The result was among other things an interim president, important political changes and a transition of the state media to an independent Public Service broadcaster, a transition supported by the government.
– The road to an independent Public Service media organisation requires many changes to a wide range of aspects from budget planning to management outlook,” Ramskov says.
– I emphasized the three pillars of Public Service: independence, reliability and universality. In addition, public service media must focus on news, current affairs and culture, he underlines.
Audience in focus
During the seminar, Ramskov spoke about placing the viewers and listeners at the centre of attention, creating a happier and larger audience across the country.
– Public Service must also be entertaining, he explains.
According to Ramskov, reactions to the seminar were positive with questions ranging from details on anchor persons’ wardrobes to how to handle criticism of news coverage. Some participants expressed natural concern about how future changes to the media organisation would perhaps result in changes in the work force.
