The Ministry of Culture will start checking the content of TV channels from March.

Starting from March 2026, the Ministry of Culture in Kyrgyzstan will begin checking the content broadcasted by television channels, with the aim of taking necessary measures by the end of the year. All television channels are required to provide viewers with content produced in the country. This statement was made on January 15 at a meeting by the Deputy Minister of Culture, Information, and Youth Policy Marat Tagaev.

Representatives from television channels, as well as employees from "Kyrgyzfilm" and "Kyrgyzserial," attended the meeting. Currently, there are 42 television channels operating in Kyrgyzstan, of which only two (NTRK and ELTR) receive government funding.

The meeting addressed the implementation of legislation that requires at least 60% of programs and information in the Kyrgyz language to be broadcast during prime time. Tagaev emphasized that some private television channels continue to air outdated programs in order to comply with the law.

"Private channels have the opportunity to develop according to their strategy. However, they must adhere to the legal requirements, especially those concerning the Kyrgyz language. I am aware of the situation in the media market, but our task is to protect the rights of viewers," he noted.

For now, measures to close channels that do not meet established standards will not be applied. Channels should not take viewers away from actively operating channels by repeating old broadcasts. Steps will be taken regarding such private channels by the end of 2026," Tagaev added.

He recommended that private channels acquire new works from the state institutions "Kyrgyzfilm" and "Kyrgyzserial," thus becoming the first to showcase them. Currently, these organizations have about 400 films, as well as more than 40 animated films and series in their collection.

The Deputy Minister noted that private channels can sign contracts with these institutions in just a month and a half to secure content for themselves. In the absence of contracts, films will be transferred to state television channels. The Ministry of Culture will also offer television channels program packages prepared by private companies. Quality checks of the content will begin in March.

The meeting also discussed the quality of new films. The management of the national television channel pointed out that not all new works meet high standards. When the artistic council decides not to air a film, its creators often refer to obtaining permits for commercial use from the ministry.

In response, the Deputy Minister noted that there is a problem with the quality of domestic content, but in the future, there will be an opportunity to select only the best works.

Additionally, this year a tender will be held for the creation of an animated cartoon in the Kyrgyz language with a budget of 50 million soms. The requirements for the contractor will take into account the possibilities of using artificial intelligence.

For the first time, the Ministry of Culture will also announce a tender for content for print media (newspapers, websites) with an estimated budget of 10 million soms.