First AI-Generated Newspaper Launched by Kazakh Students
First AI-Driven Kazakh Language Newspaper Launched by Al-Farabi Kazakh National University Students
ASTANA – In a groundbreaking initiative, Master’s students from the Faculty of Journalism at Al-Farabi Kazakh National University have unveiled AI-Tamyz, the first-ever scientific, educational, convergent, and inclusive newspaper published in the Kazakh language and powered by artificial intelligence (AI). This milestone was reported by the university’s press service on April 28.
Alongside its physical edition, AI-Tamyz offers a wealth of digital content, including audio and video formats. Utilizing various AI tools, the publication generates articles, images, videos, and audio pieces, ensuring a comprehensive media experience. A unique feature of the newspaper is its commitment to accessibility; visually impaired readers can access audio versions of articles via QR codes printed in the bottom right corner of each page.
The name AI-Tamyz carries rich symbolism. Combining "Ai" with "Tamyz," it resonates with the phrase "Aitamyz," translating to "We speak" in Kazakh—demonstrating the publication’s goal of addressing pivotal scientific, educational, and social issues. Additionally, "Tamyz," which means August in Kazakh, symbolizes a time of fruitful harvest, hinting at the newspaper’s aspiration to make significant contributions.
The idea for this innovative project was sparked during a seminar on Data Journalism, inspired by Italy’s first AI-generated newspaper. During this seminar, lecturer Kanat Auesbaiuly encouraged students to embark on a similar endeavor in the Kazakh language.
Editor-in-chief Nur-Altay Umirzak noted the challenges faced during production, highlighting the limited support for the Kazakh language across many AI platforms. "Creating quality content was no easy task. We experimented with numerous AI programs and issued hundreds of prompts until we found success," he explained. Texts were crafted using advanced tools such as ChatGPT and GEMINI, while audio elements were produced with WhisperAI, MicMonster, and Text-to-Speech technologies.
Looking ahead, Aishat Naka, the release editor and technical lead, expressed aspirations for future collaboration with students from the university’s IT Faculty to develop software that seamlessly integrates text, audio, and video content in Kazakh.
In terms of video content creation, students employed a variety of AI tools, including CanvaAI, DALL-E, and Midjourney, showcasing the expansive creative capabilities of neural networks. They even experimented with generating jokes, adventure stories, and poems. Additionally, sound and music were captured using SunoAI.
The team meticulously designed the newspaper’s layout and assembled its content, utilizing CanvaAI templates for the final product. Plans are in place for AI-Tamyz to be published either monthly or weekly, with the intention of serving the entire community of students, faculty members, and researchers at the university.
Ayagoz Kabylgayym, responsible for the newspaper’s assembly and design, concluded, "Our work represents a significant step toward merging traditional journalism with modern technology. We look forward to sharing our first edition with the university community."
In a world increasingly reliant on digital communication, AI-Tamyz stands as a testament to innovation, creativity, and inclusive journalism in the Kazakh language.
