Oversight of television content to be tightened in Kyrgyzstan

The Kyrgyz government has required television channels to increase the share of broadcasting in the national language, Kyrgyz, to 60 percent in line with legislative requirements. The announcement was made on January 16 by Deputy Minister of Culture, Information, and Youth Policy Marat Tagaev during a meeting with representatives of television companies.

Tagaev held the meeting with the participation of heads and representatives of all television companies operating in the country, as well as officials from the Kyrgyzfilm and Kyrgyzserial institutions. The discussion focused on ensuring that TV channels are supplied with locally produced content in the Kyrgyz language.

According to Tagaev, some private television channels are formally complying with the requirements by repeatedly airing Kyrgyz-language programs produced more than ten years ago, without creating new local content. He recalled that under the Law on Television and Radio Broadcasting, at least 60 percent of programming during prime time must consist of state-language and locally produced content. Amendments related to the use of the state language in television broadcasting were adopted in August last year. Previously, TV channels were required to ensure that 50 percent of their airtime was filled with Kyrgyz-language content.

“We do not interfere with the development of private television channels or their individual strategies. However, legal requirements, especially those related to the Kyrgyz language, must be strictly observed. Some channels appear to comply with the rules only formally by repeatedly broadcasting a single Kyrgyz-language program filmed ten years ago. This violates viewers’ rights and shows a lack of respect for the audience. Moreover, such channels do not produce their own content while diverting advertising revenue away from genuine content producers,” the deputy minister said.

Under the ministry’s decision, television channels will be provided free of charge with more than 400 feature and documentary films from the Kyrgyzfilm fund, over 40 animated films, and more than 10 television series produced by Kyrgyzserial.

“This initiative is dedicated to the 85th anniversary of Kyrgyz cinema. Viewers should have the opportunity to watch films ranging from the era of the ‘Kyrgyz miracle’ to modern productions and to become familiar with the country’s rich cultural heritage,” Tagaev said.

Television channels are required to sign contracts with these institutions and update their broadcast content within one and a half months. Starting in March, scheduled inspections will begin to assess content quality and compliance with legal requirements. If contracts are not signed and the ministry’s proposals are not taken into account, appropriate measures will be taken.

Currently, 42 television channels operate in Kyrgyzstan, two of which — NTRK and ELTR — are funded from the state budget.