Kyrgyz, Russian reporters agree to develop cooperation

BISHKEK, February 18 (Itar-Tass) - Kyrgyz and Russian reporters have
agreed to boost cooperation. This was stated at round-table discussions in
Bishkek organized by the Eurasians - New Wave social fund.
"The aim of these round-table discussions is to establish a direct
dialogue and friendly contacts between Russian and Kyrgyz media,"
representatives of the fund said.
According to independent Kyrgyz reporter Irina Kozlinskaya,
Russian-language editions in Kyrgyzstan have been getting less popular of
late. "That is why the number of readers and thus the influence of
newspapers issued in the Kyrgyz language grows manifold," she believes.
However, according to her Kyrgyz-language editions "don't cover the
interests" of Russia, although partnership in that sphere would bring
practical benefit to both countries.
"Kyrgyz mass media is financed mostly by American capital," another
independent Kyrgyz reporter, Alexander Niksdorf, says. "But the USA
pursues only its own political interests, it has no fellow countrymen
living in the republic". He also regretted that Kyrgyz journalism becomes
less professional.
Russia was represented at the meeting not only by heads of Moscow
media outlets, but also by journalists from Russian regions.