Public Broadcasting Corporation Transformed Into State Controlled

On May 13, 2022, President Zhaparov signed a law to change the status of the Public Broadcasting Corporation (OTRK). The law transformed OTRK, the country's largest and most viewed broadcaster, into a state-owned organization while removing a number of democratic principles designed to ensure the broadcaster's independence. Under the law, the broadcaster would be headed by a person appointed by the president. The Supervisory Board, partially elected by representatives of civil society organizations was disestablished.  There is risking corruption and political interference to the detriment of the public interest in this legislation, media experts said.