“No Political Games or Blackmail”: Founder of Orda.kz Announces Closure of Publication

Kazakhstani online media outlet Orda.kz is shutting down. The project’s founder, Maksat Ganiyev, officially announced the decision, explaining that it was driven solely by financial reasons, Tiek.kz reports.

Financial Difficulties and Editorial Principles

According to the founder, after six years of investment, the project has remained unprofitable. Revenue from legitimate advertising contracts is barely enough to cover the editorial team’s current operating expenses.

“Orda.kz can earn money honestly through advertising contracts, without various ‘grey’ schemes and ‘negative blocks’. But that would barely cover the losses. It is impossible to recoup long-term investments. I do not want to use the media for political games, fake news or blackmail. This does not align with my personal goals,” Maksat Ganiyev said.

No Hidden Motive

Ganiyev stressed that there were no hidden factors or external pressure behind the decision.

“The money earned by the editorial team is not enough to keep it operating. There are no other reasons that would have led to the current situation,” the founder said in his statement.

Background

Earlier, former editor-in-chief of Orda, Gulnar Bazhkenova, was sentenced by a court to eight years in prison. However, because she has a child, enforcement of the sentence was postponed for two years.

In addition, the court banned her for five years from working as a journalist, blogging, working in mass media, participating in public events and engaging in other public activities.