RIGHT-CENTER BIAS
These media sources are slight to moderately conservative in bias. They often publish factual information that utilizes loaded words (wording that attempts to influence an audience by appealing to emotion or stereotypes) to favor conservative causes. These sources are generally trustworthy for information but may require further investigation. See all Right-Center sources.
- Overall, we rate The Astana Times as right-center biased with a Pro-Government/Authoritarian Lean due to its alignment with Kazakhstan’s official narratives and lack of critical reporting. It is mostly factual for accuracy in relaying official information, but falls short of editorial independence, functioning primarily as a public diplomacy outlet for Kazakhstan; hence, it earns a Mixed factual overall rating.
Detailed Report
Bias Rating: RIGHT-CENTER (2.8)
Factual Reporting: MIXED (3.9)
Country: Kazakhstan
MBFC’s Country Freedom Rating: LIMITED FREEDOM
Media Type: Website
Traffic/Popularity: Medium Traffic
MBFC Credibility Rating: MEDIUM CREDIBILITY
History
The Astana Times is an English-language outlet launched in November 2010 ahead of the OSCE Summit in Astana. According to its About Us page, it covers politics, economics, culture, and society in Kazakhstan and Central Asia for an international audience. Editor-in-chief Zhanna Shayakhmetova and several staff previously worked for state-linked media such as Qazaq TV and Eurasia Pervyi Kanal TV.
Read our profile on the Kazakhstan media and government.
Funded by / Ownership
The Astana Times is published by the Regional Non-Profit Organization Guild of Independent Journalists. It is registered with the Ministry of Communications and Information of the Republic of Kazakhstan under the registration number N 11208-G.
Analysis / Bias
The publication’s tone is pro-government and promotional, focusing on Kazakhstan’s modernization and President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev’s leadership while avoiding criticism of state policy. In Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, the President with a Human Rights Agenda, Tokayev is described as a “human rights leader,” echoing government messaging.
Neutral stories like Kazakhstan to Present New Passport Design follow press-release language, while cultural pieces such as Ancient Wisdom for Sustainable Future promote national pride consistent with official rhetoric. Reporting is clear and factual but highly selective, reflecting soft nationalism and controlled information flow aimed at shaping Kazakhstan’s international image.
Failed Fact Checks
- None known from credible fact-checkers, though coverage lacks critical depth or independent sourcing.
Overall, we rate The Astana Times as right-center biased with a Pro-Government/Authoritarian Lean due to its alignment with Kazakhstan’s official narratives and lack of critical reporting. It is mostly factual for accuracy in relaying official information, but falls short of editorial independence, functioning primarily as a public diplomacy outlet for Kazakhstan; hence, it earns a Mixed factual overall rating. (D. Van Zandt 10/14/2025)
Source: https://astanatimes.com/
Last Updated on October 14, 2025 by Media Bias Fact Check
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Left vs. Right Bias: How we rate the bias of media sources