New Laws Restricting Journalists’ Work in Media
New Law on Mass Media Addressing Restrictions on Journalists
In recent years, there have been several laws passed that have placed constraints on the work of journalists, as reported by Kaiyrgul Urumkanova, the CEO of Govori.TV, during parliamentary hearings discussing the draft law “On Mass Media.”
Urumkanova pointed out that a number of laws regulating media activities have been enacted in recent years, with only one draft law being developed in consultation with media representatives. Other laws, such as those on slander and foreign agents, have been seen as attempts to limit journalist work. However, Urumkanova expressed gratitude to the president for engaging in dialogue regarding the draft media law. Through this dialogue, a compromise version was developed that addressed concerns raised by journalists.
One specific issue highlighted by Urumkanova was the norm that requires state bodies, excluding defense and national security bodies, to provide information to the media within three working days upon editorial request. She argued that all departments, including defense and national security bodies, should be held to the same standard of responding to media inquiries within three days, without any preferential treatment.
The compromise version of the media law, which was submitted to Parliament for consideration in January, is the sixth version of the law. It was revised in collaboration with the Ministry of Culture, media community, and legal experts. The new law includes provisions banning censorship, protecting sources of information, and outlining circumstances under which media activities can be terminated or suspended.
Overall, the new media law aims to address the concerns raised by journalists about restrictions on their work and ensure greater transparency and freedom in the media sector.
