Government Press
Government‑run print media in Kazakhstan remain firmly in the government’s grip, reporting directly to the Ministry of Culture and Information. Notable examples include Kazakhstanskaya Pravda, a Russian‑language national newspaper first published in 1920 and still in operation as of early 2025, as well as Egemen Qazaqstan, the Kazakh‑language counterpart founded in 1919 and likewise currently active.
Media assets
Publishing: Kazakhskaya Pravda, Egemen Qazaqstan, Ana tili, Tenge monitor, Uygur avazi, Akikat, Urker, Liter
Radio: Radio NS
State Media Matrix Typology
Ownership and governance
These outlets, among others, act as extensions of the state, with editorial direction flowing straight from the Ministry of Culture and Information.
Source of funding and budget
According to local experts interviewed in May 2024 and March 2025, government‑run print media are chiefly financed through state budget subsidies, leaving them financially tethered to the political establishment. This monetary lifeline gives the government considerable leverage over their content—effectively ensuring that editorial comfort stays locked in tune with the official line.
Editorial independence
Government‑run print media operate under a regime of state‑mandated regulations requiring strict alignment with government policies and interests. There is no domestic legislation guaranteeing editorial independence, nor is there any independent oversight to validate editorial autonomy—making these outlets a mouthpiece for state messaging by default.
August 2025