Dostuk Radio’s Ethnomosaic Programmes of the Public Broadcasting Corporation of Kyrgyzstan

Abstract

Kyrgyzstan is a multi-ethnic state in which representatives of more than 100 different ethnic groups live. Media content of Kyrgyzstan reflects multilingualism and culture of ethnic groups living in the republic. Nowadays, the print media (newspapers, magazines) are presented in the information field of Kyrgyzstan, the main purpose of which is the versatile coverage of the life of a particular ethnic group, its interaction in a multi-ethnic society. If the ethno-thematic materials of these publications are not absolute, they can be predominant, which gives the right to classify them as ethnic media. Their founders are ethnic public associations, sources of financing are ethnic communities, and also in some cases ethnic ancestral home. According to the latest data, about 10 ethnic public associations have their own print media. The state provides broadcasting to ethnic groups in their native language in the Public Broadcasting Corporation (PBC) of the Kyrgyz Republic. The editorial policy of PBC is built in the interests of Kyrgyzstan’s population, taking into account the ethnic, national and cultural diversity of the country. In a television format, all ethnic groups in Kyrgyzstan have the opportunity to participate in special television programs of the PBC that cover the ethnic sphere, such as “Wheel of Life (Колесо жизни)”, “Our country Kyrgyzstan (Мекеним Кыргызстан), as well as in ethnographic programs of other private television channels 1–2 times a year. Radio Dostuk (Friendship) was launched as part of the PBC development strategy for the period 2013–2015, as well as complying with the concept of strengthening the unity of the people and interethnic relations in the Kyrgyz Republic. The main content of the radio is created in close cooperation with the diasporas, as well as with the Assembly of the Peoples of Kyrgyzstan. Today, Tatars, Uighurs, Ukrainians, Poles and other nations can broadcast their programmes on Dostuk Radio. Nowadays, more than ever, it is necessary to develop a culture of interethnic relations, interpersonal dialogue in a multi-ethnic society. Therefore, it is important that the media contribute to the strengthening of statehood and the formation of a common civic identity for Kyrgyz citizens.