MA in International Journalism. Class 2020.
Head of International Relations and Communication Department,
News Producer and Radio Journalist
What inspired you to pursue a career in Journalism?
I think that's one of the most difficult and interesting questions as I always ask myself the same. I wanted to be a teacher, but I liked writing very much.
I wrote different stories, made poems, and I was always interested in people's stories. I analyse various issues in everyday life trying to explain to others how we can find solutions to problems. And maybe it sounds crazy but I'm sure that journalism can change the world.
We are like fighters of light who show the way, explain processes, and create new worlds. We are called the fourth power, but I think we are more. So as a person who doesn't want to live in an ugly world, I decided to be a journalist. But a real one, not a fake one. Today, classical journalism is undergoing crucial changes and if we change our ethical norms as required by the modern world we will be under fire. We need to remember that impartiality in journalism is extremely important. We cannot be objective if we cover the story depending on our views, feelings and willings.
You are a Chevening Scholar. Why did you choose Swansea University as your first choice?
Before choosing a University, you study programmes, lecturers, environment, and place. When I read about Swansea University it was a total match. I liked everything from the place where it's situated to the programme and professors. My great crush was Dr. Yan Wu and Dr. Sian Rees. Our Swansea University created a diverse environment where you are important. It supports you during your studies and continues into a tight-knit relationship after your graduation. I've never had doubts that it was the best choice. And if you asked me, would I change my decision? My answer would be NEVER. Swansea University offers an interesting and informative programme. It represents various facets of understanding international journalism and gives you brand new knowledge in this field even if you have a great background like me.
Could you share some of your best memories from your time at Swansea University?
Oh, yes. During our enrolment day, I was like a child who understood nothing in a new system of studying. Our lecturer told us everything, but it wasn't enough. I just walked and thought how I could overcome all of it?! But when I entered my Global Media class for the first time, I understood that I won a lucky ticket, as in front of me I saw a miracle. And the name of this miracle was Dr Yan Wu. It was my dream to study with her, but I thought that this dream would never come true. Could you imagine what I felt when I saw her and when she said that she was our lecturer? My soul sang songs, and it was one of the best memories. But it was the very beginning of my travel into my Dreamland. The next stop was PR class and our unforgettable and optimistic Dr Sian Rees. We received much useful information from both of them, and I use it on a daily basis to create new radio programs, make PR campaigns, and work at the International Relations Department.
But my story wasn't full if I talked only about my studies. Swansea University taught me work-life balance. And my life is linked to my soul sister Yulia. We met during our studies, shared our home, and had lots of adventures. We overcame all obstacles together shoulder to shoulder, supported others during the Covid pandemic time and we continue our wonderful friendship till now. I want to thank Swansea University, which gave me such a friend.
What have been some of the highlights in your career thus far?
First, I work as an International Relations and Communication officer and the most thrilling thing in my job is to build bridges between our Organisation and Sisters' organisations around the world. It’s easy when your organisation has a history, reputation, etc, but it is difficult when it is new, and nobody knows about your organisation. So, I am working on our branding in parallel to our international presence. We became a CISAC member (our umbrella organisation), concluded more than 15 reciprocal agreements under my leadership, and it’s a giant leap for Uzbekistan where the copyright system doesn’t work properly. Also, our team works closely with officials to reshape copyright legislation and modernise copyright law in Uzbekistan. I explore various copyright systems in the EU and CIS countries, and US approaches in this field and prepare comparative analysis to demonstrate the best practices.
What are your top 3 favourite things about Swansea?
1. People and diversity.
2. Attitude to nature.
3. Spirit of miracle.
Can you share some of your top tips for a successful start to a career in journalism?
You need to understand why you want to become a journalist. If you want to be a real journalist, then the best is to learn to listen. Because journalism is not about your personality, it is about other people. You will listen to millions of stories, and they can be interesting or boring, you can like them or not. But you will tell them without your editing. As any amendments change the angle. And you need to understand when you should stop. It means acting like a doctor. The first rule for me is not to harm people. Some sensations can cost life to good people, and you have to be emphatic.
How has your experience at Swansea University enhanced the skills and knowledge that you already had?
When I entered Swansea University I had a great background as a journalist. However, the International Journalism programme brought me new knowledge and understanding of new approaches. I'd like to highlight the lectures of Dr Rhys Jones. We don't study Business at Uzbek National University. So, what he taught us during our classes was new to me. And this new knowledge can help me obtain the leading position at the Chamber for the Protection of Copyright in Uzbekistan. Moreover, Dr Sian Rees gave me a strong understanding of brand management and now I use this knowledge daily in my current job.
How did you manage to manage to combine your work as Radio Journalist with your current role at the Copyright Chamber of Uzbekistan?
You know it's surprising for people in the West but in my country, it is something usual to combine several jobs. I work for radio preparing my author's programmes during my free hours. I am good at time management, so I plan everything ahead and follow the schedule. Of course, sometimes everything doesn't go according to the plan. But I'm stress-resistant, so I need just 10 minutes to reschedule. As I always work with different people from different time zones, I have to be prepared so that things can go another way despite my initial plan.
What have been some of the highlights in your career thus far?
First, I work as an International Relations and Communication officer and the most thrilling thing in my job is to build bridges between our Organisation and Sisters' organisations around the world. It’s easy when your organisation has a history, reputation, etc, but it is difficult when it is new, and nobody knows about your organisation. So, I am working on our branding in parallel to our international presence. We became a CISAC member (our umbrella organisation), concluded more than 15 reciprocal agreements under my leadership, and it’s a giant leap for Uzbekistan where the copyright system doesn’t work properly. Also, our team works closely with officials to reshape copyright legislation and modernise copyright law in Uzbekistan. I explore various copyright systems in the EU and CIS countries, and US approaches in this field and prepare comparative analysis to demonstrate the best practices.
What advice would you give to current students of Media faculty or recent graduates who are looking to build a successful career in journalism?
Journalism is one of the wonderful and unpredictable professions. If you want to be a high-level journalist you need to read a lot, study in-depth the subject that you are covering, and have wide observation. You should study how to be impartial and just report the situation to cover all sides of it. Remember when you present your story include all facets even if some of them seem wrong to you. You can't present a full picture if you avoid interviewing all sides.
Can you tell us what is the typical day of a Radio Journalist?
When I worked as a morning presenter, I would wake up at 4.30-5am as my voice should wake up too. After the show, I worked on my plan and had lots of meetings with different people such as Uzbek officials and diplomatic staff to organise new programmes with invited guests.
Tell us about something you’d like to achieve in the future.
I think all people want to achieve something extraordinary. I'm not an exception. My immediate plan is to reshape the copyright system in Uzbekistan to protect authors' rights and to work on a new legislative system in this field. Also, I want to try myself abroad. I want to work in the creative industry and create interesting new programmes that will be catchy for the audience. However, my true calling is to teach others. I have a great background and I want to share my knowledge that includes theory along with practical basis.
Will you recommend Swansea University to someone thinking of going to University?
More than 100% YES!!! It's one of the best places in the UK to obtain your degree. Moreover, you receive lots of practical opportunities during your study and after graduation. This place will become your second home and you will want to return there to thank people who taught you.
