EL ARNA and Khabar TV Channels to Merge by May 2025

The Ministry of Culture and Information has announced the merger of EL ARNA and Khabar TV channels as part of a government initiative to “optimize state resources.” The integration is expected to be completed by May 1, 2025, Orda.kz reports.

Following the merger, EL ARNA’s content will be incorporated into Khabar’s broadcasting schedule. According to the ministry, this move aims to “enhance the efficiency of domestic TV companies” and expand the reach of Kazakhstani programming.

The ministry has assured that all employees will keep their jobs and that salaries will remain unchanged.

The funds previously allocated for EL ARNA program production will be redirected towards 24KZ and Khabar to improve content quality and technical capabilities, stated Aida Balayeva, Minister of Culture and Information. 

EL ARNA was originally launched in 2000 as Kazakhstan’s first national TV channel. It was shut down in 2014, later revived as a film-focused channel, and eventually shifted to youth entertainment content.

Khabar, founded in 1995, initially operated as a news agency but quickly became a major media holding, covering news, entertainment, and social programs.

A key founder was Dariga Nazarbayeva, who played a significant role in shaping its direction. In 1998, Khabar became a closed joint-stock company, with Nazarbayeva serving as its president and later as chairwoman of the board of directors. Under her leadership, Khabar became a leading state-aligned media outlet. Over time, the network expanded to include Khabar 24, Kazakh TV, and EL ARNA.

Original Author: Olga Ibrayeva