AKIPRESS.COM - As BBC Kyrgyz marks its 20th anniversary on Friday 3 June, a survey in Kyrgyzstan has shown that the service reaches 3 million viewers on TV every week – half of the country’s population.

BBC Central Asian Services Editor, Hamid Ismailov, said: “As we celebrate 20 years on air, and now online, we are thrilled to see that our unique BBC output – news, analysis and documentaries – is enjoyed and appreciated by so many people. Not only the 3 million who watch BBC Kyrgyz on TV every week, but the additional more than half a million people who tune in to its radio programs – a more than fivefold growth of radio audience since 2010.”

BBC Kyrgyz TV and radio content – including the Monday to Friday TV news bulletin and the monthly documentary program, BBC Sapar (Journey) – is broadcast by Public TV and Radio Broadcasting Corporation of Kyrgyzstan.

As Senior Producer, BBC Kyrgyz, Gulnara Kasmambetova, observed: “BBC Kyrgyz has a track record of highlighting issues that lead to public debate and public policy changes. Whether it’s threats to mountain glaciers from changing climate or pollution, to homelessness, to the age ratings of TV programs – we have been at the forefront of public debate for 20 years.”

BBC Kyrgyz is part of BBC World Service.