Over the years, reporters, editors, and media managers have developed here, who today actively work in various fields. In honor of the agency's anniversary, we spoke with former employees to find out what they took away from their experience working at 24.kg.
Aida Jumashova, journalist at Sputnik Kyrgyzstan:
Photo from the interviewee's archive. Aida Jumashova
— For me, 24.kg became a real school of journalism, where I learned under the guidance of Asel Otorbaeva. I gained invaluable experience in writing texts, searching and verifying information, as well as establishing communication with respondents.
2019 is a year that I remember particularly well.
Aida Jumashova
In August of that year, significant political events unfolded in the country — a criminal case was initiated against former president Almazbek Atambayev, and his arrest was delayed for several months.
Just after returning from vacation, I was sent by editor Anna Timofeenko to Koi-Tash, to Atambayev's house. She jokingly mentioned the possibility of his arrest, and I took it lightly, not realizing what would happen a couple of hours later.
My colleague from AKIpress and I were waiting for the former president to appear, who regularly held press conferences. Everything was going as usual, but soon special forces burst into the yard, gunfire began, and I was injured in the leg.
A little later, editor Makhinur Niyazova came to our aid and helped us out of the dangerous situation.
Working at 24.kg was an important stage for me and an experience that shaped my responsibility, courage, and loyalty to the profession.
Aida Jumashova
I wish 24.kg further growth and a strong team. May there be many interesting projects and inspiration for journalists!
Bolot Kolbaev, journalist at a regional publication:
— I became part of 24.kg right after graduating from university. I managed to rest a bit and then immersed myself in the profession that I still love.
In the year and a half spent at 24.kg, I received support from strict mentors and responsive colleagues, which helped me master many secrets of the profession that played a key role in my future employment.
During this time, I witnessed the successes of our athletes, the political upheavals of 2010, the joy of election winners, and the grief of the mothers of the victims of the Osh events, as well as major business deals and the arrests of corrupt officials.
These events helped me understand how to influence public opinion through journalism.
Bolot Kolbaev
The most valuable lesson for me was the responsibility that journalism carries.
Happy anniversary, 24.kg! Wishing prosperity and a loyal audience!
Daniyar Karimov, editor of the Central Asian representative office of "Rossiskaya Gazeta":
— My experience working at 24.kg became one of the brightest stages of my career. I was happy to join a team where a unique atmosphere and creative freedom prevailed, which contributed to my rapid growth.
At 24.kg, I found many role models both in creativity and in the efficiency of work. I am sincerely grateful to Asel Ernestovna for her support and to all the colleagues with whom I shared both joys and difficult moments.
I am proud to have been part of a team that has gone through a path of formation and recognition.
Daniyar Karimov
Working at the information agency taught me the importance of efficiency and the ability to appreciate different viewpoints, as well as to see uniqueness in every detail.
Shavkat Turgaev, journalist and host of the "Current Time" channel:
— I came to 24.kg because it is one of the best information agencies in the country. Asel Ernestovna welcomed me warmly, and I have no regrets about my choice.
At that time, there were many women in the team, which created a special atmosphere. I remember many rallies that took place then and the vivid events that I managed to witness.
During my two years at 24.kg, there were many unforgettable moments. I cherish that time and thank my colleagues for their support. Happy anniversary, dear editorial team!
Zhazgul Masalieva, press secretary of the Ombudsman of the KR:
— I joined 24.kg in 2006, when the agency was just starting its work. I printed my resume and came for an interview, even though at that time they needed Russian-speaking journalists.
However, in 2012, I was offered a job in the Kyrgyz version, and I started writing in Russian. 24.kg provided me with the opportunity to develop as a journalist and learn from the best editors in the country.
Here, I honed my skills in efficiency and working with sources, which is very important for journalists working on political topics.
We always emphasized the importance of efficiency and exclusivity of materials.
Zhazgul Masalieva
Working at a leading information agency allowed us to track the authorities' reactions to our publications. Often, our materials became the basis for creating commissions or making decisions.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, we wrote about the difficulties faced by people and businesses. We also covered issues in medicine and reported on the burnout of doctors in "red zones".
I remember how during the military aggression, editors asked us to work in shifts, but no one could distract themselves — we worked around the clock, receiving messages asking us to convey information about the situation.
When I published a video about refugees in a border village, it became widely circulated in foreign media.
I also remember the case when a security guard at the business center where the 24.kg office was located admitted that he had seen me on Russian television.
With sadness, I recall how a positive piece about a Kyrgyz village in the Moscow region caused a stir, but local authorities canceled the allocation of land.
Yulia Lipovich, translator:
— I started working at 24.kg as a translator in 2006 right after university, and this gave me the opportunity to gain valuable experience and understand the standards of quality journalism. The agency became a real professional school for me.
I am grateful to 24.kg for the trust and the atmosphere in which young specialists could develop and learn from a strong team.
Yulia Lipovich
On the anniversary, I wish the agency further prosperity, bold topics, and the preservation of the independent position that has earned the trust of the audience. May there be many bright projects and talented journalists ahead!
