Mass media in Kazakhstan

Mass media

Media is all types and methods of disseminating information among the general public which differ in frequency and constant name. Often referred to as a synonym for " mass media " or the more correct term "MCM" - mass media.

According to the law "On the Mass Media ", the mass media means:

  • periodical printed publication: newspaper, magazine, almanac, bulletin, other publication that has a permanent title, current number and issued at least once every three months;
  • radio channel;
  • TV channel;
  • Movie documentary;
  • audiovisual recording;
  • online edition;
  • another form of periodic or continuous public dissemination of mass information, including Internet resources ; means (bodies) of daily practice of collecting, processing and disseminating information intended for mass audiences in the Republic of Kazakhstan. Not all Internet resources are classified as mass media, but only those where the owner has decided to classify his Internet resource as an online mass media outlet.

As of May 1, 2023, 5,590 media outlets are registered in Kazakhstan, of which 3,889 are periodicals, 202 are TV channels, 88 are radio, 1,121 are news agencies (“NA”) and online outlets (“OO”). (612 - IA, 509 - SI). (Domestic media - 5300, Foreign media - 290). Most often, the Kazakh and Russian languages are used in the media - 1649 media.

The number of mass media has been increasing every year. Along with the number of media outlets, the territory of media distribution is expanding, as well as the variety of languages of publication, which are distributed throughout the republic. Newspapers and magazines of Kazakhstan are divided according to the territory of distribution, frequency of publication and thematic focus and language.

The media activity in Kazakhstan is regulated by Information Committee under the Ministry of Information and Social Development of the Republic of Kazakhstan.

Broadcasting

Regular radio broadcasting on the territory of modern Kazakhstan had appeared in 1921 under the name "Kazakh Radio". The broadcasting in the Kazakh language had started on March 23, 1927.

Currently, there are 7 information and news radio stations in Kazakhstan that are of republican status:

  • Kazakh Radio;
  • Russian Radio Kazakhstan;
  • Retro Kazakhstan;
  • NS Radio;
  • Avtoradio;
  • Shalkar;
  • Europa plus Kazakhstan.

Television

In 2022, out of 160 TV channels, 6 Kazakhstani TV channels (Qazaqstan , KTK , Channel One Eurasia , Khabar , NTK , Khabar 24) had been included in the TOP- 10. There are 4 of them state-owned TV channels (“Qazaqstan”, “Khabar”, “First Channel Eurasia” , “Khabar 24” ).

The state supports for domestic TV channels thus enhancing the competitiveness of domestic television.

Own correspondent offices abroad

"Khabar Agency JSC" and RTRC Kazakhstan JSC have over 20 correspondent offices and freelancers abroad in more than 10 countries: China, USA, Russia, Belgium, Great Britain, Turkey, etc.

The own correspondent points allow promptly informing the Kazakh audience about the current events abroad.

Introduction of DTTV (digital terrestrial television)

Digital broadcasting is a technology for transmitting the television images and sound by encoding the video and sound signals using digital channels. The coding minimizes the interference. Therefore, the picture and sound are delivered with minimal losses. DTTV is the ability to watch domestic TV channels in digital quality. Up to 30 channels in the regional centers and 15 TV channels in the settlements of the regions. “Balapan”, “Qazsport”, “Jibek Joly” and other domestic channels will be available in digital multiplex. The entire package of channels without a monthly fee. Thus, the state ensures information equality between the inhabitants of rural areas and cities. Such a transition means that the constitutional right of the citizens to the information is working, and the society is developing. The project is scheduled for completion in 2025. It will enable 98% of the country's population to watch the domestic TV channels in digital quality. At present 92.66% of the country's population is covered by digital terrestrial television and radio broadcasting.

Online media

The most famous online media

To date, the share of Internet users aged 6-74 is 78.2%, and the number of mobile Internet users has grown at 44%. The main part of the audience is the age groups from 14 to 45 years.

In total, 948 news agencies and online publications are registered in Kazakhstan.

Today, 95% of news agencies are private, 5% are state-owned.

National Award "Tumar"

For the first time, the national award "Tumar" was established in 2017 at the initiative of the Ministry of Information and Social Development of the Republic of Kazakhstan. The main goal of the Award is to stimulate the development of the Kazakhstani television industry through the prism of assessment by the professional community.

The Tumar-2022 award was awarded in 11 nominations (“Best TV Journalist”, “Best Director's Work”, “Best Documentary”, “Best Information Program”, “Best Regional Channel” and others).

In 2022, about 300 applications were received for the Prize.

Urker Award

The national award in the field of print, radio, internet journalism "Urker" is an annual award for high achievements in the field of print, radio and internet journalism which was established in 2017.

The purpose of the competition is to identify talented journalists and creative teams, recognize their contribution to the development of professional journalism, and attract wide public attention to their work.

Holding the Urker Prize on an annual basis stimulates interest in the environment of Kazakhstani journalism and from outside, encouraging both the most experienced journalists and young authors to publish. The Urker Prize for the best achievements in the field of print, radio, and Internet journalism contributes to the development of multimedia journalism in the regions, to the prestige of journalism, the establishment of professional standards, and the increase in civil activity of the society.

Astana media week

Astana media Week is an annual event for the most viable ideas, avant-garde solutions, progressive opinions from the global media space. A place where points of view are challenged and defended by people who strive to make the picture of the world a little clearer.

The Project “Astana Media Week” had started in 2017. Representatives of the global information space, as well as leaders in the production of media content from different countries, gather at the Forum site. As before, this year the organizers tried to raise actual topics of the day.

In 2022 as part of the media week "Astana media Week" there were 26 plenary and panel sessions, lectures, master classes, etc. with the participation of more than 100 speakers from Kazakhstan, Russia, Kyrgyzstan, Mongolia, etc. held.