According to the latest data from the Ministry of Culture and Information of the Republic of Kazakhstan, the number of media outlets in the country continues to grow. Over the past 33 years, their number has increased 350 times: from 10 state republican newspapers and magazines in 1991 to 3,985 modern publications. Each edition offers both a traditional paper and a digital version, El.kz reports.
The Ministry is actively working to support print journalism. Within the framework of the memorandum of cooperation with Kazpost JSC, several measures are being implemented to support newspapers. In May 2023, the Post.kz mobile application was launched, through which Kazakhstanis can subscribe to domestic and foreign publications. Also, in cooperation with Kaspi Bank, an online subscription service for newspapers and magazines has been organized through the Kaspi.kz application.
For 2024, the total number of newspaper subscribers is 360,612 individuals and 7,687 legal entities.
Distribution of print media in the regions and large cities is carried out through 400
supermarkets, private retail outlets in large stores and 2,645 city and district post offices.
The Ministry envisages measures to improve the qualifications of journalists. Last year, the Print Media Forum was held for employees of regional newspapers and magazines, and in March 2024, it is planned to hold the next regional Print Media Forum with various seminars and master classes.
On the basis of Kazcontent JSC, consulting is carried out on the maintenance and support of websites of publications and their promotion in social networks. In addition, the Kazakhstan Institute of Social Development regularly conducts training master classes on industry journalism and advanced training of journalists.
The press service of the Ministry of Culture and Information of the Republic of Kazakhstan emphasizes the importance of these initiatives for the development of the media sector and support for the journalistic community in the country.