The Mazhilis has approved a draft law "On Mass Media" with accompanying amendments in the second reading. Once it comes into force, the laws "On Mass Media" and "On Broadcasting" will be deemed obsolete. This move aims to protect the rights of media workers by introducing a statute of limitations for claims related to media materials.
The new law also establishes legal guarantees for the professional activities of journalists and clarifies the main objectives of media activities. However, the proposal to introduce press cards had previously sparked debates and has been excluded from the law.
Furthermore, terms such as "mass information," "religious TV program," and "registration certificate for TV or radio channels" have been removed, while new terms like "special status of a journalist" and "simplified accreditation procedure" have been introduced. The authority to monitor the media is entrusted to a designated body.
