Key facts
- Euronews has launched a Kazakh language broadcasting service.
- The new service is Euronews' 20th linguistic offering and the first from Central Asia.
- The launch follows a partnership signed two years prior and the establishment of editorial hubs in Astana and Almaty.
- Euronews chairman Pedro Vargas David highlighted the strategic importance of the Kazakh language.
- Kazakhstan's First Vice Minister of Culture and Information Kanat Iskakov described the launch as a milestone.
Euronews has officially launched its new Kazakh language broadcasting service in Astana, marking a significant expansion into Central Asia. This initiative represents Euronews' 20th linguistic service and is the first to feature a Central Asian language, underscoring the region's growing global influence.
The launch follows a two-year partnership between Euronews and Kazakhstan, which included the establishment of an editorial hub in Astana and an office in Almaty. During the launch event in Astana, Euronews chairman Pedro Vargas David emphasized the strategic importance of the Kazakh language, referring to it as a main Eurasian and thus European language that will hold a significant place within the Euronews family. He stated that the new channel is an international news service offering global events with Euronews' commitment to contributing to well-informed societies.
Kazakhstan's First Vice Minister of Culture and Information, Kanat Iskakov, hailed the launch as a historic event and a milestone for the country. He noted that the service will elevate the status of the Kazakh language globally and provide residents with access to Euronews' international content, characterized by independence, objectivity, and accuracy. The broadcast will be available on television and digital platforms, including YouTube.
Euronews began its Central Asia expansion in December 2024 with its Astana office serving as a regional editorial hub, followed by bureaus in Tashkent and Baku. The Astana and Almaty-based teams will produce coverage of Kazakhstan and current affairs programs for worldwide broadcast in other Euronews languages, such as 'Modern Nomads,' 'East-West Connect,' and 'Voices of Central Asia.' The Astana bureau is also hosting Euronews' first Asian bureaus editorial seminar.