MONCAME. The news agency from Mongolia transmitted in Morse code

photo: public domain/Wikimedia and montsame.mn

The origins of the Mongolian state date back to the 3rd–2nd millennia BCE. Located between two vast and warlike lands, today`s Russia and China, it was subject to constant attacks from neighbors. By the 12th–13th centuries, under Genghis Khan, Mongolian tribes united, striking back at their neighbors and even reaching Eastern Europe.

After two centuries of relative peace, Mongolia again fragmented into independent states and principalities, becoming a target of Russian and Manchu expansion by the 17th century. In 1911, a stronger Russia allowed the proclamation of Mongolia`s independence, only to reverse its stance four years later, ceding Outer Mongolia to Chinese rule with granted autonomy.

When the Russian Revolution broke out, China occupied Mongolia, overthrowing the joint Mongolian-Russian government. By July 1921, the situation reversed as Mongolian revolutionaries, supported by the Red Army (or vice versa), seized the country`s capital and formed a communist government, retaining a theocratic system.

Such a "great revolution" needed to be reported to the world. At the time, Mongolia had several newspapers, but they were regional or slightly international. On July 19, 1921, during the VI session of the People`s Government, a resolution was passed to establish the "General Commission for Posts, Letters, and Telegraphs" under the Ministry of Internal Affairs, named MONTA. Its leader was Prince Tsedevsuren, with I. S. Maslukov as his deputy.

MONTA’s first dispatch. South Africa`s support

Although MONTA officially began operations in July 1921, its history started months earlier. On March 30, 1921, Soviet Pravda published news about the liberation of Chiagtu by regular forces of the Mongolian nation and the first major victory of Mongolian revolutionaries over foreign invaders. The note, titled The Mongolian uprising, was authored by a journalist from the Dalta Agency of the Far Eastern Republic, referencing a report from March 18 provided by the Mongolian Telegraph Agency MONTA (Монгольское телеграфное агентство).


The information from Mongolia came from I. G. Demenko, a consultant-instructor of the Political Department of the Mongolian People`s Revolutionary Army, who also became MONTA`s first director. It turned out that MONTA was established with the help and financial backing of the DALTA agency and strong support from Damdin Sukhbaatar, founder of the Mongolian People`s Party and the State. The March 18 report was the first telegraphic dispatch, and in July, the agency was recognized as an official press body.

In November 1921, MONTA’s statute was approved, transferring it under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. By February 3, 1922, it was managed by the Training and Development Division of the Ministry of Military Affairs. That same year, South Africa became the first country to recognize MONTA. The agency also signed a 14-point agreement with the Department of Posts and Telegraphs. This marked the beginning of MONTA’s history, which continues to this day. In Mongolian journalism, the 1920s through the 1990s are known as the Era of struggle for establishing a socialist society in Mongolia.

Bulletin and Summary Magazine. MONTA gains audience

In the 1920s, telegraph communication was the only means of communication in Mongolia. After the Chinese army left, three masts remained, which were used by the Mongolian military. Thanks to its friendship with Soviet Russia, infrastructure like lines, buildings, and equipment was expanded in these areas. By November 1922, radio broadcasts could already be heard, as reported by Бюллетень МОНТА (MONTA Bulletin).

The Bulletin was one of two publications issued by the agency. The second was Хураангуй сэтгүүл (Summary Magazine):

• Бюллетень МОНТА debuted on May 25, 1922. It was published twice a week with a circulation ranging from 150 to 300 copies. It was primarily intended for Russians living in Mongolia and was therefore printed in Russian.
• Хураангуй сэтгүүл was launched on June 22, 1922, and, like the Bulletin, was issued twice a week but printed in Mongolian. It provided current news from Mongolia and the world, focusing on Russia, China, Japan, America, as well as France, the United Kingdom, and Germany. Its circulation ranged from 500 to 1,000 copies. Over the course of a year, 100 issues were published.

Both publications quickly gained followers. The Bulletin was particularly popular and, given Mongolia`s capabilities at the time, was compared to global publications, as was MONTA itself. Much of this success was due to the Political Department, led by editor W. Dadiani, better known as Josef Isajewicz Genkin (Shayevich).

Despite the popularity of both publications, in June 1923, during the Second Congress of the MPP, a decision was made to suspend their operations. The Bulletin was replaced by the newly integrated Уриа (The Call) within MONTA, while the Summary Magazine was transformed into Нийслэлийн шинэ сонин (New Capital Gazette).

Уриа, later known as Mongolian Pravda, was modeled after the Soviet newspaper Pravda. It had been published by local communists since November 10, 1920, with a circulation of 3,000 copies. Printed in Russian, it had only four pages, but its founders and editors—Damdinsuren Sukhbaatar, Chorloogiin Choi Balsan, and Darzhaavyn Losol—ensured it reached the remotest parts of the country and even crossed borders.

Capital Gazette, Cartoons, and People`s Pravda

MONTA gained a “strong proletarian arm” and a foothold in “nearly professional journalism.” The New Capital Gazette assumed all functions and editorial roles of the Summary Magazine. The first issue was released in July 1923. The new publication was a weekly in Mongolian, with a circulation of 300–500 copies. It had 2–4 pages and was free of charge. Its editor-in-chief was B. Namsrai, with Ts. Dambadorj and Jamsran as lead reporters. A novelty for the period was the publication of cartoons and humorous drawings, which influenced the newspaper`s appearance and its readers` opinions. These illustrations helped convey complex socio-political, educational, and economic topics more effectively.


In February 1924, the newspaper`s name was changed again to Ардын эрх (People`s Rights), but its tasks and format remained unchanged.

For nearly a decade, MONTA facilitated two-way communication. Since Mongolia was under Russian or Chinese influence depending on the region, MONTA operated accordingly. In 1929, the first Chinese-language publication, Ажилчны зам (Worker`s Path), was introduced and later renamed in 1964 to Mungu Xiaoshi Bao (Mongolian News).

By the end of 1930, a MONTA Translation Bureau operated within the Propaganda Department of the Chinese Communist Party. In 1933, with Soviet assistance, a Radio Office was established in Ulaanbaatar to send and receive telegrams globally. From 1935, MONTA officially received direct news from TASS, distributing it to Mongolian newspapers as Бюллетень ТАСС (TASS Bulletin) or ТАСС-ын сонсгол мэдээ (TASS Reports). That same year, the first national office for documentary photography and film was established, providing resources for the agency.

Dispatches Sent via Morse Code

For years, MONTA staff sent and received messages. During World War II, their workload increased, especially as their “first sponsor” actively participated in the war effort. In 1942, MONTA, in collaboration with the editorial team of Үнэн (Truth), launched a Russian-language weekly Үнэн-Правда, soon renamed Новости Монголии (News of Mongolia).

After the war, MONTA operated from Үнэн`s offices. The main task for staff members Natsagdorj and Khayan was to receive and translate news from TASS. Interestingly, this information was transmitted via Morse code. Outgoing dispatches about Mongolia were also encoded this way. This system continued until 1957.

Before major changes, in 1956, MONTA introduced an English-language quarterly, Modern Mongolia, later renamed Mongolia Today. The publication ceased in the mid-1990s but resumed in 2007 with a new format and content. Its primary goal remains to provide foreigners with insights into all aspects of Mongolian life, from politics and economics to culture and traditions.

By the late 1950s, Mongolia focused heavily on industry, while agriculture flourished. Efforts to eradicate illiteracy and spread socialist ideals were widespread. To showcase the achievements of fraternal nations and its own successes, the government decided to establish a National Information Agency.

MONCAME: From MONTA to Digital Era

A seven-member preparatory committee was established, Soviet experts were invited, offices were set up, equipment was prepared, and regulations were written. The main objectives were outlined:

• Providing the Mongolian government, leadership, central institutions, media, and society with immediate information about the country`s internal affairs,
• Delivering information on global events at various levels,
• Reporting and promoting Mongolia`s foreign and domestic policies, events, and progress internationally.

On July 29, 1957, a decision was made to establish the Mongolian Telegraph Office, based on MONTA`s activities, under the name Үнэн. Its first general director was Zhambalyn Zundui. In November of the same year, the agency was renamed МОНЦАМЭ - MONCAME (Монголын Цахилгаан Мэдээ - Mongolian Electronic News).

The first official message received by the new agency came from the Russian TASS agency, with contact established on December 31, 1957. By January 1958, the agency`s Printing Department was created to provide "classified information" to the government.


News of MONCAME`s establishment first reached readers of Үнэн when, on January 28, 1958, the column Our Country on the front page was signed under the new name. The next day, international news appeared, followed by the first specific article on October 3.

Mongolian Agency on the Global Information Market

MONCAME officially began operating under socialist government patronage. On November 1, 1957, the agency received its headquarters at the intersection of Peace and Lenin Streets in Ulaanbaatar. Two years later, when the Radio Committee was incorporated into MONCAME, some offices were relocated to the foundation`s Zorig building.

The agency`s official inauguration took place on February 23, 1958, attended by state officials. The office was equipped with the most advanced technology available at the time. From its inception, work was divided into six departments:

• foreign
• domestic
• current affairs
• communications
• photography
• reference

There was also a section for radio translations from English and French. In 1958, MONCAME signed its first foreign agreement for the mutual exchange of information and cooperation with the Korean People`s Democratic Republic. The next partnership was with China`s Xinhua, followed by Eastern European countries. In 1962, the agency established its first African connection (Guinea).

Twenty years later, in 1983, MONCAME signed an agreement with its first capitalist country—Japan`s Kyodo Tsushin, followed in 1989 by Britain`s Reuters. MONCAME`s and Үнэн`s first foreign correspondent was diplomat Buyant Dascheren, whose first destination was Moscow in 1963.

MONCAME controlled the flow of information and published its own materials. In addition to Russian-language Новости Монголий and Chinese-language Mungu Xiaoshi Bao, the agency produced Орчин үеийн Монгол улс (Modern Mongolia). Its first edition in Mongolian and Russian appeared in 1956. With the Indian embassy`s support, the publication debuted in English in 1959. In 1960, the daily news summary МОНЦАМЭ-гийн ногоон мэдээ (Green News by MONCAME) was introduced.

Television, Photography, and the Digital Era

The year 1967 brought significant advancements. On September 27, a television studio opened in Ulaanbaatar. MONCAME gained another media platform, and in 1968, its photography department was established. Mongolia was developing rapidly—joining the UN in 1961 and the CMEA in 1962. By the mid-1960s, Mongolia aligned closely with the USSR, severing ties with China.

Messages flowed in both directions. Telephones, Soviet T-63 telecommunication equipment, and devices converting Cyrillic to Morse code operated around the clock. Even news from Voice of America reached the agency.

The 1970s brought further modernization. Czech T-100 phones, Chinese T-51 and T-63 teletypes, and German remote recorders by Siemens and Lorentz were introduced. In 1984, a telefax machine enabled photo transmissions and simultaneous communication with multiple agencies.

In 1986, with Reuters` help, a TSR-16 multiplexer marked the start of the digital era. The first computer-transmitted message was sent in January 1990 by Moscow correspondent P. Shagdar. In 1991–1992, UNESCO equipped the agency with modern technology following a cooperation agreement signed in 1978.

MONCAME in Space and the Lipstick from a Landfill

MONCAME expanded its network of correspondents and photojournalists. On October 27, 1961, reports from the 16th UN Assembly Session reached all national newspapers. In 1972, O. Zorig reported on the Munich Olympics. However, the agency`s crowning achievement was coverage by reporter T. Galdan and photographer Sereeteri Batsukh of the preparations for Mongolia`s first astronaut, Jügderdemidiin Gürragchaa (Sansar), who journeyed to space on March 30, 1981.

Batsukh, the longest-serving photographer, earned fame for his widely published images, including those documenting the space mission. Nicknamed the Cosmos Photographer, his legacy endures.

In the early 1980s, another iconic photographer, Tudevdagv Chimee, joined the agency. Renowned for her sensitivity and recognized by her crimson lipstick, her career began with an anecdotal incident. Sent to document young people living in a cardboard house at a landfill, she was approached by a man who said, "Journalist? Oh, I recognize you by your lipstick!" Since then, the crimson lipstick has become her signature, with friends gifting her lipsticks from around the globe.

"Conspirators" of Democracy: Farewell to Cyrillic

Since 1976, MONCAME was located in the Main Post Office building alongside Radio Mongolia. In 1990, the agency moved to a building on Ts. Jigidjav Street 8, which it officially acquired in 1997. In 1986, the Монгол пресс (Mongolian Press) editorial office was established on its premises, publishing its own magazine, Цаг үе (Time).

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With its own printing press and newspapers in the 1990s, during the awakening of democracy, MONCAME employees printed leaflets, rally announcements, and "not necessarily sanctioned" content. The core of these "conspirators" was a group of journalists and translators from MONCAME and the newspaper Новости Монголий.

When the magazine Цаг үе published their names, it called the group the First 13. In reality, there were 17 members, including S. Amarsanaa, D. Ninj, D. Enkhbaatar, and Ts. Enkhtuvshin, who initiated the Era of Free Democratic Journalism, which continues to this day.

One of the first publications of the "Free Era" was Хүмүүн бичиг (Human Script), a newspaper printed in the Mongolian script. Until then, the Mongolian language had been written using the Cyrillic alphabet. The paper was published in a script originating from the 6th and 7th centuries, featuring 29 letters and nine symbols for foreign words. The first issue appeared on May 10, 1992, edited by MU teacher Sh. Choimaa. The header was designed by MONCAME`s chief, Ch. Erdene. The printing press was provided by the Үнэн newspaper, with a circulation of 5,000 copies.

The newspaper, still in circulation today, achieved great success. Two years later, its print run reached 20,000 copies, placing it among the top five newspapers. It remains the first and only publication in Mongolian script. Since 1996, it has awarded the Best Writer of Mongolia prize, traditionally presented to the winner by the country’s prime minister at the MONCAME office.

The Internet Opens the World Wide

In July 1991, Mongol Messenger (Mongolian Messenger) was launched, Mongolia`s first English-language newspaper. Its first editor-in-chief was Ch. Burenbayar. For promoting Mongolia abroad, UNESCO honored the newspaper in 2001. Today, it is available in about 30 countries in both print and digital formats.

Some publications disappeared only to reappear years later, like Новости Монголии, while others vanished entirely, such as Цаг үе. Ил товчоо (Open Office), launched in 1991, entered the private sector, while the weekly Дэлхийн мэдээ (World News), started in 1996, was merged into МОНЦАМЭ мэдээ (MONCAME News) six years later.

The agency took a significant step forward when it embraced the internet in 1997. Since February of that year, MONCAME`s website has been providing news and updates in five languages: Mongolian, Chinese, English, Russian, and Japanese.

In 2012, the website underwent modifications. In 2014, the online portal https://www.montsame.mn/mn/ was launched, featuring the MONTSAME news service, which now reaches nearly 13 million people worldwide.

From its inception, MONCAME maintained close ties with agencies in the USSR and China. However, after joining the Organization of Asia-Pacific News Agencies (OANA) in 1981, news about Mongolia and its promotion gained international reach. By 2019, 44 agencies in 35 countries were sharing information provided by MONCAME. As the only agency in Mongolia with reporters in every region, it regularly receives global news. Although it has no direct government affiliation, MONCAME is funded through the state budget.

Information, History, and the Golden Rule

Despite its extensive network and several foreign language publications, it wasn’t until 2003 that a Japanese-language fortnightly appeared on the Mongolian market. Монгорү Цүүшин, also known as Mongolian News, was first published in October. It had four pages, and its editor-in-chief was G. Puresambuu. By 2009, the fortnightly became a weekly and expanded to eight pages. Recognized by the Japanese government, it received the Japanese Ambassador’s Award in Mongolia in 2013.

In 2007, Орчин үеийн Монгол улс (Modern Mongolia) returned to the market after being discontinued in the 1990s. Today, it is a quarterly publication edited by the English section and titled Mongolia Today. The same team also produces the English-language brochure MONTSAME Daily News.


MONCAME is not just about information and news but also about preserving Mongolia’s past and present through books, albums, calendars, and various projects. The agency’s journalists also document their own history. Since 1991, the MONCAME Honor Book has recorded the names of journalists, editors, and technical staff, including several foreign contributors.

In 2000, under the initiative of then-Director General Tugalkhuka Baasansuren, the so-called Golden Rule was established. It set the standards for journalists` conduct and became the basis for the agency’s highest award, introduced in 2011. The Golden Rule consists of nine points, which must be met to become a laureate:

• Quickly, quicker, quickest.
• Speak briefly, as briefly as possible, or even shorter.
• The truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth.
• With credible sources and evidence.
• The title is unique, the topic is fresh, and the focus is sharp.
• The language is pleasant to the ear and reflective to the eye.
• The characters are vivid and expressive.
• The meaning is clear, and the date is transparent.
• The information is so clear and concise that it stands out easily amidst a sea of similar reports.

Baasansuren didn’t stop at creating principles and awards. His efforts led to the opening of the MONTA TV Studio in 2010. Besides producing reports, the studio creates video news and documentaries. These productions are shared globally with agencies, broadcasters, and online platforms.

MONCAME’s news is available on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube. Mongolia`s history and the agency`s legacy are also shared through a collection of photos available both domestically and internationally. The MONCAME Photography Studio enriches the National Photo Archive. Since 1981, the agency has operated a billboard in the heart of the capital called MONCAME Reporting, showcasing current events locally and globally.

In July 2021, MONCAME celebrated its centennial. The occasion included congratulations, flowers, and well-wishes from across the globe. A short film commemorating the milestone was shared on Facebook, and television programs were broadcast. On September 21, an exhibition titled МОНЦАМЭ агентлаг 100 (MONCAME 100 Years) was inaugurated, with a live stream by the agency.

In December of the same year, the Mongolian government passed a resolution:

Based on the Mongolian Budget Law for 2022, Article 30, Clause 1 of the Law on the Government of Mongolia, and Article 9, Clause 5 of the Law on State and Local Property, the Government of Mongolia RESOLVES:
The information agency "MONCAME" shall be transferred to the Office of the President of Mongolia.

One of the most recent achievements of MONCAME was the signing of a Memorandum of Cooperation with the Presidential Broadcasting Complex of Kazakhstan. Summarizing the event, Tlegen Abishev, Deputy Director of the Presidential Broadcasting Company, said: Strengthening cooperation between MIA Kazinform and NIA MONTSAME will enhance public awareness of events in both countries.

The current Editor-in-Chief of MONCAME, Erdenetsogt Sodontogos, assumed the role in November 2022. He oversees 108 staff members, including correspondents across Mongolia’s 21 regions. A political scientist, translator, and economist fluent in Mongolian, Korean, Russian, and English, he has worked for the UN (1995), served as an advisor to the President of Mongolia (2009), founded the Mongolia Mining Journal, and hosted television programs. He leverages his diverse experiences to promote the country and deliver reliable information through Mongolia’s most prominent and Asia’s oldest news agency—MONCAME.

MONCAME Agency Timeline:

• 1921, March 18 - First information signed by MONTA.
• 1921, July 19 - Decision to establish the General Commission for Posts, Letters, and Telegraphs under the name MONTA.
• 1921, November - MONTA’s charter approved.
• 1922 - South Africa becomes the first country to recognize MONTA.
• 1922, May 25 - First issue of "Бюллетень МОНТА" (in Russian).
• 1922, June 22 - Second MONTA publication "Хураангуй сэтгүүл" (in Mongolian) released.
• 1923, June - Bulletin and Magazine renamed to "Уриа" and "Нийслэлийн шинэ сонин."
• 1929 - First Chinese-language publication "Ажилчны зам."
• 1933 - Establishment of the Radio Bureau.
• 1935 - First official transmissions from TASS.
• 1942 - Launch of the Russian-language weekly "Үнэн-Правда," later "Новости Монголии."
• 1956 - First issue of the English-language quarterly "Modern Mongolia" (renamed Mongolia Today in 2007).
• 1957, July 29 - Mongolian Telegraph Agency established, replacing MONTA.
• 1957, November - Agency renamed MONCAME and receives its headquarters.
• 1958, January 28 - First news signed as MONCAME.
• 1958, February 23 - Official inauguration of MONCAME offices.
• 1958, December - First foreign agency partnership (Korea).
• 1962 - Collaboration with the first African agency (Guinea).
• 1964 - Chinese-language "Ажилчны зам" renamed "Mungu Xiaoshi Bao."
• 1968 - MONCAME establishes its photography division.
• 1978 - MONCAME and UNESCO sign a cooperation protocol.
• 1981 - MONCAME joins the Organization of Asia-Pacific News Agencies (OANA).
• 1981 - Launch of the MONCAME Reporting billboard in the city center (still operational).
• 1983 - First agreement with a capitalist country (Japan`s Kyodo Tsushin).
• 1986 - Establishment of Mongolian Press within MONCAME, publishing "Time."
• 1989 - Partnership with Reuters.
• 1990 - MONCAME moves to a new headquarters.
• 1991 - Launch of the MONCAME Honor Book.
• 1991, July - First English-language newspaper "Mongol Messenger."
• 1992, May 10 - First issue of "Хүмүүн бичиг" newspaper in ancient Mongolian script.
• 1997, February - MONCAME goes online.
• 2000 - Golden Rule of MONCAME comes into effect.
• 2003, October - First Japanese-language publication "Mongolian News."
• 2010 - MONTA TV Studio established.
• 2014 - Launch of MONCAME`s online portal.
• 2021, July - MONCAME celebrates its centennial.
• 2021, December - Agency transitions under the President`s Office.
• 2023, October 24 - Memorandum signed with the Presidential Broadcasting Complex of Kazakhstan.

Sources:

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