Central Asian Countries Explore Launch of Joint TV Channel at Media Forum in Astana
On April 16–17, over 700 media professionals from Central Asian countries, as well as delegates from the UK, China, Qatar, Russia, Azerbaijan, and others, gathered in Astana for a major regional media forum. Themed “Central Asia in an Era of Global Change: Media as a Tool for Strategic Development,” the event aims to chart a new course for media cooperation in the region.
The forum features panel discussions on emerging opportunities for media in Central Asia, regional collaboration, digital transformation in the age of AI and big data, and the role of social media in shaping national image.
Kazakhstan’s Minister of Culture and Information, Aida Balayeva, emphasized that Central Asia is increasingly viewed not just as a transit hub between Europe and Asia, but as a vital center with significant investment, trade, tourism, and cultural potential.
— Regional leaders have repeatedly raised the importance of enhancing cooperation in the information space. At last year’s consultative meeting in Astana, President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev proposed the creation of joint media products. Kazakhstan supports the idea of launching a shared Central Asian TV channel and producing programming that promotes the unity and friendship of our peoples, Balayeva stated at the forum’s opening.
She also announced that concrete decisions were made to produce joint content for the Silk Way TV channel. The move marks a significant step toward launching a regional media platform that strengthens cooperation and mutual understanding among Central Asian countries.
