Upheaval for Broadcast Media

A series of changes to Kyrgyzstan’s major television stations has left observers wondering whether there are plans afoot to merge some broadcasters, a move which would reduce the diversity of news and comment on offer.



Oksana Malevannaya, a journalist well-known for her management skills and independent stance, on August 23 became the new head of Kyrgyz Public Educational Radio and Television, KOORT, leaving her position at New Television Networks, NTS.



This move was preceded by the shutdown of the Pyramida television company, which announced on August 17 that due to technical difficulties, it was discontinuing broadcasting until further notice. Pyramida, an independent station with a reputation for opposition sympathies leanings, changed hands in December last year, and is widely rumoured to be undergoing deep internal divisions.



Experts say these events may not be closely related, but their outcomes may jointly contribute to a narrowing of media choices for viewers in Kyrgyzstan.



Well-informed sources inside the television world say that the leadership change at KOORT was driven by a need to modernise and develop the station, and was not politically motivated. Malevanaya, a well-known media manager, is largely behind the change in KOORT’s format, and observers suggest that the station, which is to change its name to Channel Five on October 1, may become the Kyrgyz equivalent of CNN.



But media watchers are worried about the future of NTS, which under Malevannaya’s leadership was valued for its independent and professional news coverage. She may also take some of NTS’s staff with her, and it is not yet clear who will get her old job.



Analysts think the two companies could be merged into one media holding, a change which would suit the interests of certain influential political groups. The TV stations within such a media holding would maintain the appearance of independence they had before, so as to better position themselves as shapers of public opinion.



(News Briefing Central Asia draws comment and analysis from a broad range of political observers across the region.)