How the journalism community in Kazakhstan views journalism education

Abstract

The main objective of this study is to analyze journalism education in the context of the former Soviet Union Republic of Kazakhstan. Although many studies already exist globally about journalism education, Kazakhstan is one of the many developing countries that are largely absent from academic knowledge. Specifically, this study seeks to understand widely perceived outdated journalism educa- tion curriculum and its implications for the profession of journalism in this Central Asian country. The proposed broad research question: What substantive changes (if any) do journalism stakeholders see the need to insert in journalism programs in the country?

To answer this research question, authors conducted in-depth qualitative interviews with 24 work- ing journalists, editors and students of journalism across the country. The interviews were undertaken in February-May, 2019.

Some recent developments highlight the urgent need for such study. For example, there was a public call for closure of all journalism programs at universities in part because the Kazakhstan universities are said to be failing to prepare knowledgeable journalists who can shoot, edit and undertake journalistic tasks. Many local editors publicly describe college and university graduates as lacking skills to be able to work in journalism. The main problem of journalism is similar to the problems in the technology indus- try - it changes too quickly. In addition, universities are generally not well equipped with the necessary equipment, on which students could work or practice. The findings are discussed in relation to practical implications for journalism education in the context of Kazakhstan.