OSCE Centre in Astana supports discussion on draft television and radio broadcasting law

ASTANA, 26 April 2011 – Representatives of the legislature, the government, media, civil society and international organizations discussed a draft law on television and radio broadcasting at a meeting organized today by the OSCE Centre in Astana, the Office of the OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media and Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Communication and Information.

Participants discussed the need to regulate broadcasting in light of the country’s planned switchover from analogue to digital signal. They also expressed concerns about some of the draft law provisions that do not fully conform with OSCE freedom of expression commitments and international access to information standards.

“Freedom of expression, including access to information, is among the most fundamental human rights enshrined in the key international documents and OSCE commitments to which Kazakhstan is party. It allows democracy to work and enables public participation in decision-making,” said Ambassador Alexandre Keltchewsky, Head of the OSCE Centre in Astana.

“We encourage the authorities to continue working in close co-operation with civil society organizations while refining the legislation in a way that will protect citizens’ freedoms. We welcome Kazakhstan’s intention to strengthen democratic processes through the legislative regulation of broadcast media and encourage all involved to ensure that the law serves the public interest.”

Nurai Urazov, Deputy Minister of Communication and Information said: “Kazakhstan is in the process of creating a unified information space and is therefore working to enhance the legislative regulation of television and radio broadcasting. The legislation aims to diversify the public’s access to information sources and introduce digital broadcasting technologies.”

He also added that “the government believes the law must guarantee citizens’ constitutional rights and freedoms and enhance the free flow of information.”

An international media expert presented a legal analysis of the draft law during the meeting. The analysis had been commissioned by the OSCE on Kazakhstan’s request.

Meeting participants developed recommendations for the government and other stakeholders to help ensure the future law’s compliance with international freedom of expression standards.

The event was part of the Centre’s work to promote the implementation of OSCE principles and commitments and to facilitate the exchange of information and experience between OSCE institutions, civil society, and Kazakhstan's government agencies.