Economic policy of Kazakhstan media

This thesis examines the ownership structure of the Kazakhstani media, its relationship with the state, and its economic resources. The significance of the study lies in its aim to understand the economic and political dynamics of the media sector in Kazakhstan and to reveal how these dynamics influence media content. The thesis consists of three main chapters and includes a comprehensive literature review on the concept of the political economy of media, as well as an analysis of the economic dynamics of Kazakhstan's media industry. The first chapter defines the key concepts of the political economy approach and explains how this approach is applied to media studies. It explores how the media economy functions within a political context, focusing on media ownership and its tendency toward concentration. The chapter discusses how, under the capitalist system, media outlets become concentrated in the hands of specific groups during the process of capital accumulation. It examines the formation of monopolistic structures and the profit-oriented nature of the media industry, evaluating their effects on content production. The second chapter investigates the historical development of the media system in Kazakhstan, addressing structural changes since the Soviet era and the media policies implemented after independence. It provides a detailed analysis of media ownership structures, explaining who controls media organizations and how this influences the sector. Through the issue of media diversity, the chapter assesses the impact of ownership structures on content production and freedom of expression. The role of the private sector in the media landscape is also discussed, emphasizing the influence of economic actors on media. The third chapter focuses on the structure of state media in Kazakhstan, its working conditions, and the mechanisms of state control over media. It assesses the economic consequences of such control. Furthermore, it identifies prominent media owners in the country, investigates their ownership structures, and explores their economic interests and the influence of business figures on the media. The fourth chapter analyzes the economic structure of the media industry in Kazakhstan, particularly through data analysis of advertising revenues. It details media financing, ownership patterns, and revenue sources across different types of media. Based on the findings, the chapter evaluates the relationship between the economic sustainability of the media and its political implications. Key words: Kazakhstan, media, economy, media ownership, monopolization.