Do Kyrgyz Journalists Need Formal Education?

Irina Deeva, a lecturer in journalism at the Kyrgyz-Russian Slavonic University in Bishkek, argues that only rigorous academic coursework equips students for lives as reporters. Attending the odd training workshop is not enough, she says.



Others say that in practice, the possession of a diplomas counts for little in the media, as in other creative professions in Kyrgyzstan.



“For me, the thing that’s especially important is a desire and ability to write,” says the acting chief editor of the Slovo Kyrgyzstana newspaper. “There have been times when I have picked journalsts for their ability, not their qualifications. Unfortunately, the journalist education here leaves a lot to be desired.”