Freedom that motivates better than any boss, reporting in pouring rain, runaway holiday buses, and night shifts at the airport. The video service team and SMM department of “Asia-Plus” share personal stories about how their workday is organized and why they love their home newsroom.
Firuz Umarzoda, Head of Video Service (Video Production)
His path to “Asia-Plus” consists of two stages. He first came in 2011 as a newspaper correspondent, which he says was an excellent start and a powerful school. After all, even during his student years he worked or interned at various media outlets: radio, TV, newspaper. When he was in his 4th year writing for “Narodna Gazeta,” he became interested in writing for “Asia-Plus” as well.
“I came to the newsroom and almost immediately an incredible editor (as I later called him) Marat Mamadshoev gave me an assignment. The topic was related to the condition of Youth Lake and the possibility of swimming there. This turned into a small investigation/exposé.
Soon I was hired on staff, and I worked for three years. Then I left for other media outlets, but in 2019 I returned by invitation and got the position of head of video service to build a new visual direction.
A year later, the COVID-19 pandemic began and we were moved to remote work. Everyone was allowed to take their computers and work from home. But I couldn’t work from home and brought my computer back to the half-empty office. There was no control whatsoever, but I worked according to my usual schedule. For me, this case became a revelation—it clearly showed what level of trust in employees exists at “Asia-Plus”!
When there is true freedom in a company, you yourself become your own main controller. No strict boss will motivate you the way your own sense of responsibility and love for your work will. It is precisely under such conditions of freedom that the best projects are born.
Of course, we have goals and tasks, but they are not regulated down to every comma—you always have room for maneuvering and creativity. That’s the secret of “Asia-Plus,” and you can apply it yourself in other areas of life,” Firuz shares.
He admits that it was at “Asia-Plus” that he learned self-control and responsibility. After all, here no one will pressure you, stand over your shoulder, and endlessly demand quick results. Here employees are given freedom, and if they know how to value it, they will constantly improve and develop. Not in comparison with someone else, not for the sake of formal targets from management, but in relation to their former self.
“I want to say something about Marat Mamadshoev, who worked at “Asia-Plus” for many years, as a person who was incredibly interesting to observe. He was an example of combining an editor and a writing journalist. Erudite, practical, with a subtle and unusual sense of humor and a sharp pen. At the same time, you always felt protected next to him: he would take the hit himself and personally meet with people dissatisfied with our sharp articles.
But one unpublicized episode struck me for life. In 2012, when there were well-known events in the Pamir region, there was a huge flow of information. Marat is from those parts, and for him all of this was pain for his homeland.
At some point, he approached one of the experienced journalists and, as if casually, quietly, without fanfare and public announcements at editorial meetings, transferred to him the authority to edit all texts about the Pamir. In this way, he honestly acknowledged that in this situation he would not be able to maintain impartiality. And a journalist’s ability to set aside the personal for the sake of the publication’s objectivity—that is a lesson in ethics that I learned forever.
There are many such remarkable personalities at “Asia-Plus,” and about each one you can say something striking. Here I think you can immediately mention Umeda Babakhanov—it is precisely thanks to his approach to organizing work that such personalities as Marat come here or are born here. This is truly a rare talent for a leader: creating conditions in which people themselves want to grow, make difficult decisions, and do cool things.
“Asia-Plus” is a unique ecosystem. It is a place where human relations are valued no less than professionalism, and where thanks to freedom and trust you can constantly grow beyond yourself,” Firuz smiles.
Mehrangez Sultonzoda, Head of SMM Service
Mehrangez came to “Asia-Plus” by chance, despite having dreamed since childhood of becoming a journalist and working here being her dream and possible peak of success. But while studying in her 2nd year at journalism school, she thought all of this was in the distant future. At that time, she actively participated in trainings and various courses for journalists, including those organized by “Asia-Plus.” So as a result of a data journalism training, the young student prepared a substantial piece that was accepted and published in the publication.
“I was incredibly happy, and just a few months later I came to the office for information to write a paper about “Asia-Plus.” And I was unexpectedly offered an internship.
By that time I had already written for several publications (mostly stories and small pieces about city problems) and was familiar with some editors and journalists. But I couldn’t have imagined that my dream of becoming a journalist at “Asia-Plus” could come true so soon! After all, I had just turned 19, and it seemed like something scary and too responsible.
I was afraid I wouldn’t manage, but I took the risk. That’s how my career began, and for almost 3 years now, you could say, I’m living in “my dream.” I have very interesting work—something special happens every day. But perhaps the most memorable and amusing incident happened during our annual “Modaroni Mo” event, when on the eve of March 8th a beautiful bus drives around the city, and we hand out flowers and gifts to female passengers.
Usually we are all busy working: we need to manage to film, photograph, conduct interviews, and appear on camera. The whole SMM team works on the project, including videographers and journalists. Once at a stop, our whole team got out of the bus without coordinating (some to film, some to be filmed), and it turned out that it left without us and drove past two more stops! Our colleagues—the organizers—remained there, but the “loss” wasn’t noticed right away. And we had to chase the bus by taxi,” Mehrangez recalls with a laugh.
For her, “Asia-Plus” is amazingly talented people, an idea and a way to be part of change, and an opportunity to contribute to creating the future. It is also a school that teaches you daily to be a journalist and a person.
In a journalist’s work there are not only funny moments but also heavy emotional ones that require maintaining impartiality. For Mehrangez, such a moment was last year’s report in the Rudaki district in connection with the high-profile murder of a woman and her three children.
“We went to the scene with Mehrofareen Najeebi, where we met with neighbors, family friends, and the victim’s husband. It was very difficult: listening to different versions of what happened; talking with a father who had just lost his wife and children; asking him to tell details and show the place where the bodies were found. And at the same time I had to make sure the frame was steady, the sound was recording, and in parallel not forget to clarify some moments during the conversation.
All of this seemed inhumane on our part, but I became so absorbed in the process that I only realized the full horror of the tragedy a few days later. Sometimes it still hits me in waves…
Now, of course, I handle such stories more easily, but I will definitely never forget that first experience,” Mehrangez says.
Mehrangez wants to thank Amonullo Khairulloev—for his support and invaluable knowledge that he shares daily, Jasur Abdulloev for mentorship, and Bakhmanyar Nadirov—for his faith and patience.
– I also want to express my appreciation to the entire unified SMM service team. They are a dream team, with whom it’s not scary to go even into battle), Mehrangez says.
Emomali Sayidzod, Video Service, Operator, Journalist of the Tajik Service
As a journalism student, he worked at several newspapers at once: the university “Anvori Donish,” “Payk,” “Faraj,” and “Ozodagon.” In 2021, Irshod Suleymani invited him to work at “Asia-Plus,” but not as a writing journalist, but as a video service operator.
“I started working in this field from scratch, and I won’t be wrong if I say that it was at “Asia-Plus” that I mastered the profession of video operator. Here I also learned to be a professional journalist. I think “Asia-Plus” is the only strong school of journalism in Tajikistan where you can study all the nuances of the profession through experience.
Over five years, I’ve had many interesting cases related to work. But the most amusing happened early in my career when on April 1st “Asia-Plus” published news that the famous band “Avangard” had officially disbanded. I immediately “picked it up” and wrote a report.
That day it was raining, I recorded a sad video and stated on camera that it was true. But when everything was ready and all that was left was to post it on the network, colleagues managed to inform subscribers that it was an April Fools’ joke,” Emomali recalls.
He admits that “Asia-Plus” for him is not only the main source of income but also a good school, a second home, and a cool team. It is a media outlet that hears about people’s pain and always tries to help.
Shahnoza Mustafokulov, SMM Service, Mobile Photographer, SMM Specialist, Journalist
Shahnoza came to “Asia-Plus” thanks to a happy coincidence—she simply saw an announcement about hiring employees in the media group’s social networks and was intrigued. The vacancy was unusual: it didn’t specify what exact position they were looking for, but promised to teach everything. The candidate only needed the desire to work and develop. Curiosity motivated her to send a resume, but doubts delayed that moment.
And then everything was decided by chance.
“Shahodat Sokhibnazarova—my professor from university—recommended me to the editorial director of “Asia-Plus.” And almost simultaneously, Bakhmanyar Nadirov contacted me, asking if I wanted to work with them and suggesting I send my CV. Of course, I was delighted and sent my resume, and then I was invited for an interview.
Since then, almost four years have passed, and during this time the media group has become a place where I was able to grow as a specialist and realize myself. Working here taught me not to be afraid of the new and to always try, even if it seems I won’t manage.
I understood that skills come with experience. The main thing is the desire to learn and develop. I became strong, responsible, multitasking, learned to adapt quickly and work in different formats.
I am very grateful to my colleagues and management. After all, during all my time working here, I have never felt left alone with any task. Here you are always listened to, supported, advised, and if needed, helped. I especially want to note Amon Khairulloev, who from the first days was my supervisor and always provided support. He knows how to approach people, motivate, inspire, share experience, and constantly offer new ideas.
For me, “Asia-Plus” is much more than a workplace. A large part of my life happens here. Every morning I come to the office, have breakfast here, lunch (and sometimes dinner), and only go home to sleep. But it’s not just about the amount of time spent—here you are known, understood, and people can notice by a glance that something is wrong with you. They are always ready to listen, support, and help, even if you find it hard to find the words. Therefore, it’s not just work, but people who have become part of my life. Here is my second home, and they are my family. Here I grew up both professionally and as a person,” Shahnoza smiles.
Nozanin Ismatshoh, SMM Service and Tajik Service
At first, Nozanin came to “Asia-Plus” after work as an English teacher and taught her friends from among the staff. At that time she was a freelancer and had plenty of free time. But one day “Asia-Plus” posted an announcement about a reporter vacancy, and on the advice of her “students” she submitted her resume. After a month-long trial period, she was hired on staff.
“From the first days I felt very comfortable here, despite the heavy workload. I won’t say that after freelancing, coming to the office every morning was easy. But over time I got used to it, as the work turned out to be interesting and very engaging. I get great pleasure from it, despite the fact that sometimes it’s difficult emotionally.
Particularly difficult was recording a report about the funeral of 10-year-old Kabiljohn, who tragically died last year in Russia. For this we had to wait four hours (from 4 to 8 a.m.) for the coffin with his body at the airport in the rain, and then follow it to the house where the funeral was taking place and stay there until evening.
I was shocked by this monstrous situation, my heart ached with pain, but I understood that I am a journalist and my duty is to film all of this well so that I can show it to millions of people. Meanwhile, during the work I constantly heard words like: “You have no heart, you are cruel, everyone is crying, it hurts, and you are filming mercilessly, you should be ashamed…”
At that moment I was torn between human compassion and my profession. But we managed to film the video, and it was the only report that world media used. In this shock, hungry, soaked, and frozen, we fulfilled our professional duty,” Nozanin recalls sadly.
Another equally difficult case at work happened after the announcement of life sentences for suspects in the “Crocus City Hall” case. Nozanin, together with editor Mazkhab Juma, went to the homes of four main suspects. Then, a girl who left work with a smile and in high spirits returned depressed.
After all, the parents and relatives of each of the suspects knew about their situation less than the journalists themselves. And the mother of one of them still does not realize that she will die without seeing her son’s face again, but she waits for him and dreams of a meeting. Others needed help, and they didn’t know where to turn or what to do.
“After this report, I cried every night for a whole week for them. For my suffering fellow countrymen. But I tried not to show my feelings and joked, laughed with everyone as usual. And inside there was great pain. Working with such articles is difficult and hard, but only they give the opportunity to feel the taste of real journalism.
Of course, there are good moments in my work, but the most important and dear to me at “Asia-Plus” is our creative team, from which I can learn and ask questions. Working here, I constantly meet new heroes, new ideas, new life, and new art. Thanks to my work, I visited Iran, and in connection with this I want to note that I am very grateful to our editor Jasur Abdulloev.
Despite the fact that he constantly irritates me with endless questions and scolds me for every sentence,
It turned out that a day before returning to Dushanbe, the USA attacked the country again. Flights were at risk of being canceled, and Jasur didn’t sleep all night, staying in contact with me and constantly guiding me until I got home safe and sound.
Another close person and mentor to her was Mazkhab Dzuma, who taught her the various subtleties of the profession,” Nozanin shares.
She believes that despite much that has happened over a year of work, the main professional story is still ahead. After all, for her “Asia-Plus” is a place to gain new experience with great horizons for unlocking potential and professionalism.
Shohsanam Babajanova, SMM service, mobilographer and admin of the IMPACT project on social media
She came to “Asia-Plus” at the invitation of a friend—one of the employees. At that time, the girl had no plans to submit a resume, as she was focused on her studies. But thanks to her persistence, she decided to try her hand at it.
“Initially, I thought I would work here for a very short time — just to gain new experience and combine work with my studies. But in the end, I’ve been working for the second year with a team I love.”
Probably the funniest incident happened when I had just started working and went out to conduct a street survey for the first time. We were asking passersby who wrote the national anthem of Tajikistan. One of the respondents first said he didn’t know, but then, when we were already talking to another person, unexpectedly came back and confidently declared: “Shirinsho Temur.” This moment was caught on camera, and later his phrase “Hit kadi?” became a local internet meme. I still remember this incident with a smile,” laughs Shohsanam.
Working here, she learned that content can be made from anything, and inspiration can be found in simple things. She also discovered that in a good team, you can grow and develop even without noticing it yourself.
Shohsanam believes she is very lucky to work with people from whom she can always learn something. She loves the entire friendly team at “Asia-Plus,” but she is especially fond of her native SMM department.
“This is a real flower garden that consists of wonderful girls… and Andrey. We always have a special atmosphere: lots of support, humor, and mutual assistance. I want to separately thank our former manager Aki Amon. In my first working days, he patiently answered a million questions and helped me understand the processes. I still remember this with gratitude!”
And the most memorable moment for me was filming a story about a woman bus driver. Perhaps these were the most challenging shoots throughout my entire career. The bus was constantly in motion, the driver was performing her job, and we had to manage to film everything while on the move.
At the same time, we didn’t have any special equipment or action cameras — just me with a camera, the host, and our protagonist. After these shoots, my hand was still shaking a bit for several days because I was holding the camera with one hand while trying to hold on with the other so I wouldn’t fall on the constant turns.
But the result was worth it! The character turned out to be very interesting, and the plot received a lot of positive feedback from viewers,” recalls Shohsanam.
For her, “Asia-Plus” is first and foremost the people. Colleagues with whom she spends most of the day, who are always ready to support and grow together. As well as interesting guests, new acquaintances, stories, and endless opportunities for growth and self-realization.
