What Qazaqstan does

Qazaqstan Republican Television and Radio Corporation (RTRK Kazakhstan, 'Қазақстан') is the state-owned national public broadcaster of Kazakhstan, wholly owned by the government through the Ministry of Culture and Information of the Republic of Kazakhstan. Its broadcasting lineage traces to Kazakh Radio, established on 29 September 1921, and the first Republican television channel, founded in 1958. The corporation today operates four national television channels — the flagship Qazaqstan channel, the dedicated sports channel QAZSPORT, the children's channel Balapan (Kazakh-language only, ages 0–8), and the cultural channel Abai TV — together with three national radio stations (Kazakh Radio, Shalqar, Classic) and 14 regional television branches covering every oblast of Kazakhstan. Headquartered in the Kazmedia Center at Kunaeva Street 4 in Astana, with major production facilities in Almaty, the corporation serves the entire population of Kazakhstan as its audience, with particular strategic importance to rural areas where television is the primary source of information for at least half of rural residents.

The company's technical infrastructure comprises modern digital broadcasting capabilities: full transition to HD format completed on 24 December 2012; 5 studio blocks in Almaty and 2 in Astana; 22 video editing suites, 2 broadcast studios and 18 mobile camera units (including an 8-camera mobile unit described as rare among CIS broadcasters); 30 additional studio blocks across the 14 regional branches; virtual studio technology with graphic-based virtual decorations; digital storage and processing systems; and multi-layer distribution via free-to-air terrestrial transmission (covering nearly 100% of Kazakhstan territory and reaching neighbouring regions of Russia, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, Mongolia and Xinjiang), the Otau TV national satellite platform, cable operators (Alma TV, ID TV), the proprietary qazaqstan.tv portal (launched 3 December 2009), and mobile applications for Android and iOS. The corporation also maintains the Altyn Kor (Golden Archive) preserving Kazakhstan's audiovisual heritage and produces original dramas, documentaries and historical series.

The business model combines four revenue streams: (1) primary funding from republican budget allocations tied to mandated public-service obligations, including mandatory broadcast-hour and coverage requirements; (2) commercial advertising placements on Qazaqstan, QAZSPORT, Balapan and Abai TV booked through dedicated commercial departments in Astana and Almaty; (3) satellite and cable distribution/licensing fees from operators including Otau TV, Alma TV and ID TV; and (4) production services covering television programs, series, documentaries and event coverage. Government procurement is conducted through the goszakup.gov.kz portal in compliance with Kazakhstan's public procurement legislation. Beyond its 1,001–5,000 employees, the corporation has an active international partnership portfolio spanning UEFA (official broadcaster for Champions League, Europa League and Conference League), OCA (19th Asian Games), CCTV, Hunan TV, TRT Turkey, ВГТРК Russia and Uzbekistan NTRK, and maintains an aggregated digital audience exceeding 13 million subscribers across YouTube (8.6M+), Instagram (900K+), TikTok (1M+) and other social platforms.

Name

Qazaqstan

Legal name

Акционерное общество «Республиканская телерадиокорпорация «Казахстан» (Joint Stock Company Republican Television and Radio Corporation Kazakhstan)

Website

https://rtrk.kz

Company type

Private

Founded year

1958

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1,001–5,000 employees

Short description

Qazaqstan Republican Television and Radio Corporation is Kazakhstan's state-owned national public broadcaster, operating four national TV channels (Qazaqstan, QAZSPORT, Balapan, Abai TV), three radio stations, and 14 regional branches serving the country's entire population.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Public Broadcasting

NAICS

Radio and Television Broadcasting Stations (5161), Television Broadcasting Stations (516120), Radio Broadcasting Stations (51611)

SIC

Television Broadcasting Stations (4833), Radio Broadcasting Stations (4832)

akta.pro primary industry

24/7 National & International News Channels (MPABAIAA)

akta.pro secondary industries

Local/Regional News Channels (MPABAIAD), News/Talk Radio Networks (MPABABAD), Internet Radio & Streaming Broadcast Stations (Simulcast/Online-only) (MPAIAEAE)

Keywords

• Public broadcasting services
• Television channels
• Radio broadcasting
• Sports broadcasting
• Digital media platforms

Headquarters

HQ city

Astana

HQ country

Kazakhstan

HQ region

Asia

Offices4 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Others

Revenue model

1. Government Budget Allocation: Primary funding through republican budget allocations for implementing state information policy. The corporation operates as a quasi-state sector entity with government ownership. Government task includes mandatory broadcasting hours and coverage requirements for national channels.
2. Commercial Advertising: Revenue from advertising placement on television channels. Commercial advertising activities supplement government funding. The corporation publishes advertising rates and accepts bookings through dedicated commercial departments in Astana and Almaty offices.
3. Satellite and Cable Distribution Fees: Revenue from licensing content to satellite operators (Otau TV) and cable network operators for distribution of channels including Qazaqstan, Balapan, Abai TV, and regional channels.
4. Production Services: Production of television programs, series, documentaries, and event coverage services. The corporation produces historical dramas, documentaries, and children's programming, some of which generate licensing revenue from third parties.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels7 records

Marketing channels10 records

Core offering

Qazaqstan operates Kazakhstan's national public television and radio broadcasting service, operating four national TV channels (Qazaqstan, QAZSPORT, Balapan, Abai TV), three national radio stations (Kazakh Radio, Shalqar, Classic), 14 regional TV branches, and online streaming platforms (qazaqstan.tv and Birge.TV). The corporation implements the state's information policy by producing and broadcasting news, entertainment, sports, children's, and cultural programming in Kazakh and Russian to nearly 100% of Kazakhstan's territory.

Product overview

Qazaqstan (Qazaqstan) is Kazakhstan's national public broadcaster operating as a multi-channel television and radio corporation. The company offers a unified media portfolio comprising four national television channels (Qazaqstan, QAZSPORT, Balapan, and Abai TV), three radio stations (Kazakh Radio, Shalqar, and Classic), 14 regional television channels, and digital platforms including the Qazaqstan.tv portal and mobile applications. The corporation provides broadcast services, content production, and digital streaming across Kazakhstan's territory and beyond.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Qazaqstan TV: National television channel of Kazakhstan, providing news, analytical programs, entertainment, and cultural content. Broadcasting approximately 20 hours daily with near 100% territorial coverage of Kazakhstan.
• QAZSPORT
• Balapan
• Abai TV
• Kazakh Radio
• Shalqar Radio
• Classic Radio
• Altyn Qor

Products and services

• Qazaqstan National TV Channel The flagship national television channel of Kazakhstan, broadcasting news, analytical programs, entertainment, drama series, and cultural programming 20 hours daily. Operates in HD format and reaches nearly 100% of Kazakhstan's territory. Targets the general population of Kazakhstan.
• QAZSPORT TV Channel Kazakhstan's first dedicated sports television channel, broadcasting 18 hours daily with 70% live and original transmissions including domestic championships, UEFA Champions League, FIFA events, Olympics, and Asian Games. Targets sports enthusiasts across Kazakhstan.
• Balapan TV Channel Kazakhstan's first dedicated children's television channel targeting children ages 0-8, broadcasting exclusively in Kazakh language from 07:00 to 24:00. Features educational, cultural, and developmental programming. Balapan's 'Batyrlar' project won the international TEFI-2015 television award.
• Abai TV Channel Cultural television channel broadcasting 17 hours daily in Kazakh (80%) and Russian languages, dedicated to promoting Kazakh and world cultural heritage, arts, ballet, theater, literature, and the legacy of Abai Kunanbayuly. Targets culture and arts enthusiasts.
• Kazakh Radio The national radio station of Kazakhstan providing thematic programming and national/world music, operating 24 hours daily. The oldest broadcaster in Kazakhstan, founded in 1921, with coverage extending to border regions of Russia, China, Uzbekistan, and Kyrgyzstan.
• Shalqar National Radio National music and cultural radio channel broadcasting 18 hours daily in Kazakh language only, covering 64% of the country's territory. Features informational-musical programming and cultural content.
• Classic Radio

Quantifiable outcome

• 95.34% territorial coverage per national channel
• +5 more outcomes

Named customers5 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles5 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature5 records

Partnerships

Twelve partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• OCA (Olympic Council of Asia)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 August 2023Official broadcaster for the 19th Asian Games. Corporation holds official broadcaster status for Asian Games events.
• UEFA (Union of European Football Associations)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 10 September 2021Broadcasting rights holder for UEFA Champions League, UEFA Europa League, and UEFA Conference League matches. Qazaqstan and Qazsport channels broadcast live matches, studio analysis, and commentary. Rights acquired September 2021.
• CCTV (China Central Television)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerInternational media partnership with China's national broadcaster for content exchange and cooperation in television broadcasting.
• Hunan TV (China)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCooperation with Chinese regional television network for media content and programming exchange.
• TRT (Türk Radio ve Televizyon Kurumu - Turkey)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership with Turkey's national public broadcaster for content exchange and international media cooperation.
• ВГТРК (Russia Television and Radio Broadcasting Company)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCooperation with Russia's state broadcaster for content exchange, cross-border broadcasting, and Eurasian media partnership.
• НТРК (National Television and Radio Company of Uzbekistan)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership with Uzbekistan's national broadcaster including joint production of historical series such as 'Korkyt Ata' (2022).
• ABU (Asia-Pacific Broadcasting Union)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerMembership in Asia-Pacific Broadcasting Union, a major regional broadcasting organization providing international media cooperation framework.
• Otau TV (National Satellite Operator)coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorNational satellite broadcasting partner distributing Qazaqstan, Balapan, Abai TV, and regional channels via satellite to 100% of subscribers. Also distributes Kazakh Radio, Shalkar, Astana, and Classic radio channels.
• Alma TVcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorCable network operator distributing Abai TV channel via cable infrastructure alongside Otau TV satellite platform.
• ID TVminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorCable network operator distributing Abai TV channel via cable television infrastructure.
• Kazakh Film Studio (Қазақфильм)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership with Kazakhstan's national film studio for production and broadcasting of Kazakh films and series. Qazaqstan channel dedicates significant airtime to Kazakhfilm productions and produces original dramatic content.

Scale indicators10 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• ВГТРК (VGTRK / Russia Television and Radio Broadcasting Company): Russia's state-owned national broadcaster operating multiple TV channels (Russia-1, Russia-24, Russia-K) and radio networks. Directly comparable to Qazaqstan as a CIS state broadcaster with multi-channel portfolio, regional branches, government ownership, and cross-border broadcast reach. Formal content partner of Qazaqstan.
• TRT (Türkiye Radyo ve Televizyon Kurumu): Turkey's national public broadcaster operating multiple TV channels (TRT 1, TRT Spor, TRT Çocuk) and radio stations. Highly comparable to Qazaqstan as a state-owned broadcaster with thematic channels (sports, children, culture), regional/international reach, and state information policy mandate. Formal content partner.
• KTK (Kazakhstan): One of Kazakhstan's largest private commercial TV channels, often competing for top viewership with Qazaqstan TV. Comparable as a national broadcaster competing for Kazakh audiences, but operates as a commercial entity without the public service mandate and government funding.
• CCTV / CGTN (China Media Group): China's national broadcaster operating dozens of TV channels including CCTV-1 (general), CCTV-5 (sports), CCTV-14 (children), and international news (CGTN). Closely comparable to Qazaqstan's multi-channel state broadcaster model with sports, children, and general programming. Formal content partner.
• Khabar Agency (Kazakhstan): Another major Kazakh state-affiliated broadcaster operating Khabar, Khabar 24, and other channels. Directly comparable to Qazaqstan as a domestic peer competing for the same audience and government mandates within Kazakhstan's media landscape.
• NTRK (National Television and Radio Company of Uzbekistan): Uzbekistan's state-owned national broadcaster operating multiple TV and radio channels. The most direct regional peer in Central Asia — same post-Soviet public broadcaster model, state mandate, multi-channel operation, and joint productions (e.g., 'Korkyt Ata' 2022). Formal content partner of Qazaqstan.

Broad incumbents

• Euronews: European multi-language news broadcaster funded by a consortium of public broadcasters. Comparable to Qazaqstan's international broadcasting ambitions and multi-language operation (Kazakh and Russian), though focused exclusively on news rather than general programming.
• NHK (Japan Broadcasting Corporation): Japan's national public broadcaster with general, educational, and international channels plus radio. Comparable to Qazaqstan as a public broadcaster with mandatory broadcast obligations, broad content portfolio, and stable public funding — though operating in a much larger and more mature market.
• Al Jazeera Media Network: Qatar-based international broadcaster with multiple channels and strong digital presence. Comparable to Qazaqstan's cross-border reach and multi-language broadcasting, though Al Jazeera is significantly larger and primarily focused on international news rather than domestic general programming.
• BBC (British Broadcasting Corporation): UK's national public broadcaster with multiple TV channels, radio stations, and iPlayer streaming. Comparable to Qazaqstan in operating a multi-channel public broadcasting mandate, though BBC has a much larger international news footprint (BBC World Service) and far greater commercial revenue diversification.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat6 records

Key risks7 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/channel/UCg7YNHS1ld_LBCupWa1I_AQ
• Facebookfacebook.com/qazaqstantv
• Instagraminstagram.com/qazaqstantv
• Xx.com/qazaqstantv

Compliance2 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles10 records

Subsidiaries9 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Qazaqstan