Kazakhstan’s information sovereignty is being eroded by advertising restrictions, according to political analyst Marat Shibutov. He argues that Kazakh media, constrained by significant financial limitations, cannot effectively compete with Russian media, which actively shapes its information policy within the country.

Numerous advertising bans push Kazakh media to the brink of survival, while Russian media enjoys abundant financial resources.

Shibutov elaborates on these challenges in his Telegram channel:

«Why is there no information sovereignty when there are advertising restrictions? The advertising market volume in Kazakhstan was 76.5 billion tenge in 2021 (specifically chosen to avoid distortions). In contrast, Russia’s advertising market reached 578 billion rubles in 2021, equivalent to 3,346.6 billion tenge at an exchange rate of 5.79 tenge.

In 2021, Kazakhstan’s GDP was 197.1 billion dollars, while Russia’s GDP was 1,836.9 billion dollars—a difference of 9.3 times. However, the difference in the advertising market is 43.7 times larger. Even when adjusting for economic disparities, Russia’s advertising market is 4.7 times larger.

What can be advertised in Russia but not in Kazakhstan?

1. Alcohol
2. Breast milk substitutes
3. Tobacco heating systems, electronic consumption systems, and liquids for them.

Can Kazakh media resist Russian influence when receiving five times less advertising revenue? No matter what measures are taken, a thinner elephant will never surpass a well-fed wolf. These tales of information sovereignty will be in vain. If they also ban advertising for the gambling business, the gap will widen to 6.5 times, further exacerbating the situation.»