Kazakhstan is
set to create a public-professional council for media industry development. It will
be responsible for developing a code of ethics for journalists. Additionally,
it is planned to gradually increase the weekly volume of TV and radio programs
in the state language, aiming to reach 55 percent by 2025 and 60 percent by
2027. Conversely, there are plans to reduce the retransmission of foreign TV
and radio programs on domestic radio and television from 20 percent to 10
percent. These and other amendments were included in the law on mass media
which was approved by the Senate, an Upper House of the Kazakh Parliament,
today. The document has been sent for signature to President Kassym-Jomart
Tokayev. The relevant ministry notes that the law also includes innovations
that will allow reviewing the requirements for mandatory TV channels, whose
number in the country is currently 17.
«Now, nine
out of 17 state TV channels will operate by default. They will not participate
in the competition and, therefore, will not be required to submit any documents.
As for the remaining eight TV channels, their inclusion in this package will primarily
depend on their content, encompassing substantive, cultural, and educational
parts. All content must comply with traditions of our citizens and the norms of
our legislation. Thus, we added these criteria to determine the list of
mandatory TV channels,» said Kanat Iskakov, Kazakh Vice Minister of Culture and
Information.
Kazakhstan
to intensify fight against illegal fishing
The Kazakh
Senate also considered other draft laws. Particularly, it ratified amendments
to the Marrakesh Agreement establishing the World Trade Organization. They
pertain to fishing subsidies, specifically banning support for unregulated
fishing. The document includes 12 articles outlining key concepts in the
fishing industry, types of subsidies for disaster assistance, as well as
procedures for identifying and notifying about the temporary detention of
vessels suspected of illegal fishing. Overall, the ratification of the Protocol
will contribute to the conservation and rational utilization of biological
resources.
