"Darakchi"- History
Under the slogan "The Whole World at Your Fingertips," on May 15, 1996, in Russian under the title "Darakchi Plus," and on March 21, 1999, in Uzbek under the title "Darakchi," the STV television company produced a real revolution in the Uzbek press. Both editions are published once a week — on Thursdays, offering readers unique and interesting materials.
The first print run of the "Darakchi" newspaper was 1,000 copies, but from the very beginning, the newspaper won the hearts of readers with sensational news, unpublished works by famous writers, exclusive interviews with artists, and entertainment materials. The newspaper quickly became a leader among Uzbek print publications, reaching a circulation of about 200,000 copies in the early 2000s and a record level of 244,000 copies in 2005. "Darakchi" found its readers not only in Uzbekistan but also in neighboring countries such as Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, and Russia.
In 2010-2011, the newspaper significantly enriched its content and increased its popularity. During these years, the circulation of "Darakchi" in Uzbekistan was 166,000 copies nationwide and 66,000 copies in the capital. Since 2012, the publication has shifted to socio-political issues, managing to further expand its audience.
Thanks to its socio-political approach, "Darakchi" today operates under the slogan "With the People and Among the People." As one of the first private publications, it ensured open and transparent provision of information from government agencies to the people.
Many intellectuals acknowledge that "Darakchi" found the strength to openly cover societal issues even when many official newspapers turned a blind eye to shortcomings and mostly trumpeted "unparalleled achievements." Perhaps that is why, even during the fight against mandatory subscriptions, "Darakchi" maintained its place and audience among print publications.
Since the first issue of "Darakchi," more than 1,000 editions have been printed. Readers receive 52-53 issues per year, and the total circulation of all issues delivered to readers exceeds 200 million copies. If all the materials published in the newspaper were collected into one book, its volume would exceed 70,000 pages.
Currently, the newspaper is printed on 64 pages, previously being published on 48 and 56 pages. From the first issue to today, the publication has been headed by seven chief editors:
- Anvar Namozov,
- Dilshoda Matchonova,
- Yulduz Khoshimova,
- Rustam Jabborov,
- Dilfuza Sobirova,
- Barno Madalieva,
- Manzura Bekchonova.
"Darakchi" serves as a kind of school not only for its readers but also for hundreds of employees who have worked at the newspaper. Many creative individuals who started their careers in this editorial office and honed their skills here today work in various fields, holding responsible positions and mentoring young journalists. Among the creators of the newspaper, some have been awarded state honors, such as Sadokat Allaberganova, Sardor Rakhmonkulov, Farida Egamberdieva, and Karim Zaripov.
Some of the journalists who worked at "Darakchi" continue their activities in the information services of state organizations. These include Dilfuza Sobirova, Lailo Rustamova, and Sadokat Allaberganova.
Today, the publication is issued on 64 pages and covers more than 100 different topics in more than 50 sections. The newspaper collaborates with about 50 experts and about 100 foreign authors.
"Darakchi" has signed memorandums of cooperation with the non-governmental non-profit organization "Madad" under the Ministry of Justice and the Consumer Rights Protection Agency under the Competition Development Committee (its name and status have since changed).