The global pandemic has accelerated many processes, including digitalization in the media industry. The new image and format of the media landscape generated by modern global challenges were discussed at one of the discussion platforms of Astana Media Week. According to the participants, the situation with the coronavirus has led to the closure of a number of media companies in the country. In a short time, print circulation declined by more than a third, analysts say. Border closures and restrictive measures have also negatively affected the cost of printing services. They have risen in price by 15 percent. The share of printed press in the country’s advertising market has decreased twofold in recent years. Difficult times for media outlets made them abandon paper versions and turn to electronic ones. To date, more than 35 percent of domestic newspapers have switched to an online format.
“It is probably too early to predict the complete extinction of print media because they have their own consumer. We just need to understand that the print media as a source of news is losing its relevance and speed. However, they remain relevant in terms of reflecting on the current agenda. The interviews that they do and all sorts of analytical stories will still be in demand. The materials that are not suitable for the Internet fit very well in print media,” said Bolat Kalyanbekov, Director General, ‘Nur Media’ Holding.
Translation by Assem Zhanmukhanova
Editing by Saule Mukhamejanova
