A debate has reignited in the media space regarding the funding of the podcast «Zamandas» by Kanat Beisekeyev: several sources are spreading information that in 2025 the project may have received significant sums from businessmen linked to «Old Kazakhstan». Against the backdrop of previous disputes over the podcast's independence, the new data has intensified scrutiny of its possible sponsors and sources of support.
According to some sources, among the main investors named is the entrepreneur Bulat Utemuratov. It is reported that over recent months he has transferred around 35 million tenge to the podcast's creators. It is noted that their collaboration has allegedly been ongoing for several years. This information correlates with previous discussions, where the businessman's name was also mentioned in connection with the project.
The media environment also recalls an episode featuring another well-known Kazakhstani entrepreneur, Nurlan Smagulov. This is one of the longest episodes on the channel, and its deviations from the standard format raised suspicions at the time about possible arrangements. Now, several sources claim that Smagulov was one of the project's sponsors, allocating around 10 million tenge. The businessman's appearance on the podcast is once again linked to attempts by influential figures to restore their influence.
The discussion intensified following a scandalous «roast» which sparked a wave of criticism. At that time, Kanat Beisekeyev was accused of being too close to representatives of the elites, and the podcast itself was accused of losing its independence. Such accusations were supported by political science statements about the possible involvement of representatives of «Old Kazakhstan» in promoting the popular project.
According to the information being circulated, the investments from entrepreneurs are seen not as charity, but as a long-term strategy for returning to the public agenda. After the events of 2022, many representatives of «Old Kazakhstan» lost access to influence and public platforms. A podcast with a wide audience and a reputation as independent media could have become a convenient tool for shaping a desired image and maintaining public attention.
Kanat Beisekeyev himself has previously repeatedly denied systematic funding from projects linked to oligarchs, acknowledging only one-off advertising collaborations and social projects. There are no official confirmations of the new data yet, so the sums discussed remain at the level of alleged information.
Against the backdrop of this debate, attention is intensifying on the transparency of media projects. In early November, a publication by State Advisor Yerlan Karim in «Kazakhstanskaya Pravda» highlighted the problem of information manipulation and astroturfing — covert campaigns masquerading as public activity. These points gave the discussion additional edge, strengthening the public demand for clear and open mechanisms for funding popular media.
The current wave of interest shows that the issue of transparency in media project funding has become an important part of the public debate. And the discussion of «Zamandas» once again underscores: the more influential independent content becomes, the more frequently questions arise about its true autonomy and those who may be pulling the strings behind the scenes.