Paul Klebnikov Courage in Journalism Award Winner
International Journalism Exchange

Central Asia Correspondent
The Associated Press
KAZAKHSTAN

Bagila Bukharbayeva had to flee her native Uzbekistan because of the government’s response to her independent coverage of the Andijan uprising in May 2005. Now Bukharbayeva works as the Central Asia correspondent for the Associated Press news service. She is responsible for the wire service’s coverage of the region, supervising and editing the work of stringers. She has 12 years’ journalism experience, a bachelor’s degree in journalism from Tashkent State University and a master’s degree in international journalism from City University in London, England.

"I hope the exchange will allow me to refresh my views about journalism through exchanging ideas and discussing various issues with the other participants, the ICFJ people and other U.S. journalists. I think it's always very useful to take a pause and see where you are and where are you going."

Interests and Goals: During the IJE program, Bukharbayeva looks forward to learning more about editing, management, and investigative reporting techniques. She is also interested in learning more about how U.S. newspapers cover international news.

Bukharbayeva will spend her newspaper attachment at the Philadelphia Inquirer in Pennsylvania.