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Media Industry

No Disneyland Planned as Uzbekistan and Disney Hold Exploratory Talks

Uzbekistan has held early-stage discussions with The Walt Disney Company on possible cooperation in children’s media and creative industries, but no agreement has been announced to build a Disneyland or theme park in the country. The talks took place during a meeting between Saida Mirziyoyeva, the Uzbek president’s daughter and head of the Presidential Administration, and a Disney vice president responsible for international partnerships. According to an account cited by Uzbek media, the sides discussed potential cooperation in producing Uzbek-language children’s content, training specialists in animation and filmmaking, and developing a creative hub focused on film and media production. [caption id="attachment_41248" align="aligncenter" width="1200"] Image: Saida Mirziyoyeva, Telegram[/caption] Public attention intensified after Zamin.uz published an English-language article titled “Disneyland Park Planned for Construction in Uzbekistan.” The article itself, however, stated that the idea was under discussion rather than approved, and did not cite any signed agreements, confirmed investment figures, or construction timelines. Subsequent reporting by other Uzbek outlets aligned more closely with the official summaries, with Gazeta.uz reporting that the meeting focused on content production, professional training, and the possible opening of a Disney regional office serving Central Asia, without reference to a theme park project. UzDaily similarly reported discussions centered on children’s television programming and creative education initiatives, noting that the talks were exploratory in nature. Neither Disney nor the Uzbek authorities have released statements confirming plans to build a theme park. No land allocation, development partner, regulatory approval, or financing structure has been announced. Disney has not included Uzbekistan in its list of active or planned theme park developments. Disney theme park projects are typically announced only after extended negotiations and formal agreements. When the company confirmed a new theme park resort project in Abu Dhabi in 2025, it disclosed the local development partner, project framework, and governance structure at the time of announcement. Uzbekistan has made the creative industries and tourism development policy priorities in recent years, seeking partnerships with major international companies to expand film production, animation, and cultural exports. Officials say discussions with global media firms are part of that broader strategy. For now, the talks with Disney remain preliminary. Until formal agreements are announced by both sides, officials have indicated that references to a Disneyland under construction in Uzbekistan do not reflect the current status of discussions.

Day J

Almaty Hosts Winter Edition of Day J With JingleBendz 2025

On December 12, Almaty hosted the winter edition of Day J, a festive gathering titled JingleBendz 2025 that brought together journalists, public relations specialists, editors, bloggers, and communications professionals from across the country. This year, organizers chose a “Multiverse” theme. Guests arrived dressed as characters from Disney films, anime, and Soviet era cartoons, giving the evening a playful, informal atmosphere. Beyond the entertainment, JingleBendz 2025 served a familiar role in the communications community, a year end moment to take stock of professional milestones and recognize standout work. Informal awards were presented to individuals and teams across several categories. The event was supported by partners and sponsors including Yandex Qazaqstan (general sponsor), Oriflame, KAZ Minerals, First Brewery (Heineken), RG Brands (Salaam Premium Cola), and the VNV Club. [caption id="attachment_40875" align="aligncenter" width="2000"] @2BAgency[/caption] Awards and winners at JingleBendz 2025: Wisest Advisor: Aibar Olzhai, OSCE consultant on national communications in Kazakhstan Most Useful Media Outlet of 2025: Digital Business editorial team, led by Vitali Valianiuk (collective nomination from Yandex Qazaqstan) Most Determined Media Manager: Samal Ibrayeva, founder of Ulysmedia and National Business Most Productive Editor in Chief: Saida Suleeva, Tribune Most Responsive Journalist: Nazira Darimbet Grand Prix, Most Popular Expert: Dosym Satpayev, political scientist, publicist, and publisher Media support was provided by Times of Central Asia, Tribune, BesMedia, Kapital, Zakon.kz, Kursiv, Shishkin_like, National Business, BlueScreen, Profit, Finratings, CheckPoint, newtimes.kz, and aleminform.kz. [caption id="attachment_40876" align="aligncenter" width="2000"] @2BAgency[/caption] Day J and JingleBendz are held twice a year in Almaty, Astana, and regional centers. Now in its 11th year, the initiative has become a key platform for informal networking, partnership building, and recognition within the communications sector. It also functions as a testing ground for new ways of connecting media outlets, public relations agencies, and brands.

Journalists

“Day J”: Kazakhstan’s Top Journalists Honored in Almaty

On June 27, Almaty hosted the annual “Day J” celebration, marking Kazakhstan’s professional holiday for media workers. Organized by the communications company, 2BAgency, the event brought together journalists, PR professionals, and media representatives to recognize excellence across the country’s media and communications industry. The highlight of the evening was the presentation of the “Day J” Awards, which featured five primary categories. Both nominees and jury members were selected through open voting on social media by members of the media community. 2025 “Day J” Award Winners: Best Reporter - Pyotr Trotsenko Best Business Journalist - Olga Fominskikh Best Investigative Journalist - Altynshash Smagulova Best Blogger - Rashit Ilyasov Best Host - Marzhan Elshibayeva [caption id="attachment_33561" align="aligncenter" width="2438"] Image: Mikhail Karpov[/caption] The event also featured a special Grand Prix category, awarded annually to a media figure whose work has made a lasting impact. This year’s Grand Prix went to Nadezhda Plyaskina, a journalist, director, blogger, and actress with over 30 years of experience. “The Grand Prix is our way of honoring remarkable talent and professional excellence,” said Tatiana Bendz, Director of 2BAgency. “Nadya Plyaskina is a journalist, blogger, actress, and director, a true master of transformation. She’s one of the most vibrant creative figures in Kazakhstan’s media scene, and we’re proud to award her this year’s Grand Prix.” Special Contests and Media Recognition In addition to the main awards, two special contests were held during the evening. Earlier this year, Eurasia Insurance Company and 2BAgency launched a competition for the best media coverage of CASCO auto insurance. The winners were announced at the June 27 event: Best Publication in Kazakh - Gaziza Uzak Best Publications in Russian - Irina Ledovskikh, Zhadyra Turgumbayeva, and Tatyana Batisheva [caption id="attachment_33562" align="aligncenter" width="2163"] Image: Mikhail Karpov[/caption] Media Partners The event was supported by a wide range of media outlets, including: Tribune, CheckPoint, BesMedia, Shishkin_like, Profit, BlueScreen, Finratings, The Times of Central Asia, Newtimes, Offside, Aleminform, Optimism, and Bizmedia.

TCA Interviews

“I Dreamed of Writing Without Borders”: An Interview With a Kazakh Journalist in Russia

Elmira, a journalist from Astana, moved to St. Petersburg six years ago to study journalism. Since then, she has transformed from a reserved first-year student into a working reporter, navigating culture shock, social media censorship, and the outbreak of the war in Ukraine. In this candid interview, Elmira discusses Russian bureaucracy, casual racism, and finding her voice in the Russian media landscape. She also offers reflections for others considering a similar path. TCA: Why did you choose to study in St. Petersburg rather than stay in Kazakhstan or go elsewhere? Elmira: I applied before the war in Ukraine began. At that time, Russia seemed like a land of opportunity, where you could earn a decent living even without connections, which is rare in Kazakhstan. Plus, Russia offers state-funded spots for foreign students, as long as you pass the entrance exams. Kazakh journalism programs felt underdeveloped to me; they lacked tradition, experienced faculty, and institutional history. In contrast, Russian journalism schools had all of that. Also, I wanted to write in Russian. My family always spoke Russian at home, and Kazakh was harder for me, an experience common among northern Kazakhs. Studying elsewhere was financially out of reach, and among CIS countries, Russia was the most appealing. TCA: Why journalism? And did your expectations match reality? Elmira: I’ve loved writing since childhood, school news, travel stories, anything. I imagined journalism as limitless creativity. In reality, it has even more constraints than other fields: editorial policies, laws, and censorship. Still, I wasn’t disappointed. Restrictions force you to innovate, and a strong story can always be told within the right format. TCA: What were your first impressions of university life? Did you feel like part of an international community or an outsider? Elmira: The university itself was a pleasant surprise. Many professors were open-minded and genuinely interested in students’ ideas. That made me feel I belonged. But the student environment was tougher. Although classmates claimed, “We’re not racist,” jokes about Tajiks, Uzbeks, and Caucasians were common, and occasionally about Kazakhs too, disguised as “harmless humor.” These moments were alienating. You’re sitting in the same lectures, working on the same projects, but still feel like a stranger. TCA: Was the Kazakh diaspora in St. Petersburg helpful during your adjustment? Elmira: Definitely. The community is very supportive. Besides the consulate, groups like Atameken and Dostar host cultural events. I couldn’t volunteer, but I never missed Nauryz or Independence Day. Just being able to speak with fellow Kazakhs helped me feel at home. TCA: What domestic or cultural challenges surprised you the most? Elmira: Dorm life was tough. Once, I overheard roommates say, “How can you live with a Chinese woman? She must smell bad.” These moments were rare but memorable. Still, there were warm experiences. In the dorm, I befriended students from Kyrgyzstan, Armenia, and Tajikistan. We cooked together, shared stories, and supported each other. That helped me to feel part of a community. I was also heartened that many Russian students were genuinely curious...

Day J

Kazakhstan Marks Media Workers’ Day with “Day J” Festivities

Kazakhstan will celebrate Media Workers' Day on June 28, a professional holiday honoring everyone in the media industry, including reporters, editors, producers, technicians, and executives. Established by presidential decree, the date commemorates the launch of Turkestan Vedomosti, the first official print publication on the territory of modern-day Kazakhstan. It began publishing in Orenburg on June 28, 1870. For the past decade, “Day J” has brought together journalists and PR professionals to recognize outstanding achievements in Kazakhstani media in a creative, informal atmosphere. This year’s event, timed to coincide with Media Workers’ Day, will be held in Almaty on June 27. The Times of Central Asia is proud to serve as an information partner for “Day J,” an initiative inspired and organized by the communications agency 2BAgency. Theme: Romance of the ’90s This summer’s “Day J” will take participants back to the 1990s, an analog era remembered for cassette-recorded interviews, pager messages, single-cigarette purchases, denim-on-denim fashion, and a shared sense of optimism about the future. A highlight of the evening will be the annual Day J Awards, honoring professionals in five categories: Best Reporter Best Business Journalist Best Investigative Journalist Best Blogger Best Presenter Nominees and jury members were selected via the “Day J” Telegram channel and social media, reflecting recognition from within the journalistic community. Partners and Support As in previous years, the event is made possible by key partners. Sponsors of this year’s celebration include: Forte, a systemically important Kazakh bank Eurasia Insurance Company, a market leader Munchen Pub, renowned for its hospitality KazMinerals, one of the country’s top mining firms Tickets.kz, a leading travel platform ARTиШОК, the acclaimed independent theater RG Brands, producers of ASU and AVA beverages First Brewery, makers of Zhiguli Barnoe beer Additional media and organizational support comes from CheckPoint, BesMedia, Shishkin Like, Tribune, Profit, BlueScreen, Finratings, newtimes.kz, Offside.kz, aleminform.kz, optimism.kz, and bizmedia.kz. Following the event, The Times of Central Asia will publish coverage of the Day J Award winners and explore how this year’s celebration contributes to the evolving story of Kazakhstan’s media landscape.