Starting in March, Kyrgyzstan will begin a "clean-up" of TV channels for language and content.

Starting in March 2026, content from all television channels in Kyrgyzstan will be subject to inspection. Marat Tagaev, the Deputy Minister of Culture, Information, and Youth Policy, announced this on January 15 during a meeting with media sector representatives. Based on the results of the inspection, authorities will make decisions regarding channels that violate legislative norms.

According to the law, at least 60% of television broadcasts must be in the Kyrgyz language and include local content. The Deputy Minister noted that many private television channels continue to air old programs and films without creating new materials.
Currently, there are 42 television channels operating in the country, of which only two—NTRK and ELTR—receive funding from the state budget.
At this time, there are no plans to close any television channels; however, measures will be taken against violators based on the inspection results at the end of 2026.

The Ministry of Culture has suggested that private television channels purchase new content from organizations such as "Kyrgyzfilm" and "Kyrgyzserial." Their archive contains about 400 films and over 40 animation projects and series. Television channels have up to one and a half months to sign contracts; otherwise, the content will be transferred to state channels.

The quality and compliance inspection of broadcast content with the new requirements will begin in March.