The contest was founded on initiative of the President of Uzbekistan and dedicated to World Press Freedom Day. The contest is organized by Uzbekistan Journalists Creative Union and International Center on re-training journalists to popularize achievements of national and international journalism.

The contest is held in such directions as TV, radio, print and internet journalism. The contest has one main prize and three prizes in each direction. International organizations (UNESCO, UN, World Bank, Regional Dialogue, etc) have established their prizes within the contest.

The organizational committee said that some 136 journalists participated at the first contest in 2006 and last year their number reached 470. Overall, over 3,000 journalists with 44,000 works participated at the previous years.

During seven years, 181 local and foreign journalists were awarded. International organizations (UNESCO, UN, World Bank, Regional Dialogue, etc) handed over their prizes to 40 journalists.

At the meeting, the organizational committee approved action plan on organization of the Eighth international contest of National Award in journalism “Oltin Qalam”.

It was said that Public Fund on Support of non-governmental and non-commercial organizations, as well as civil society under Oliy Majlis of Uzbekistan will cover all expenses related with organization of the contest.

Winners of the contest will be announced at the solemn ceremony, which will be held on 3 May 2013.