This year, marking their 10th anniversary, the national “Тұмар” and “Үркер” Awards will be held under the auspices of the Qazaqstan Media Awards.

Over the years, the national “Тұмар” and “Үркер” Awards have become an important part of Kazakhstan’s media landscape, recognizing journalists, editorial teams, and projects that have contributed to the development of domestic journalism and the media industry.

The tenth anniversary ceremony will mark a special milestone in the history of the awards: in 2026, “Тұмар” and “Үркер” will be brought together under the auspices of the Qazaqstan Media Awards for the first time.

The competition is held on the initiative of the Ministry of Culture and Information of the Republic of Kazakhstan and is open to national and regional television channels, radio stations, print and online media outlets engaged in the production and distribution of media content.

Works published or broadcast from September 18, 2025, through September 18, 2026, inclusive, are eligible for consideration. The competition is open to journalists, television presenters, authors and creators of media projects, editorial teams, and creative groups representing Kazakhstani media outlets.

Applications for the competition are open from September 18 through October 2, 2026, inclusive, on the official QMA.kz awards website in two main categories.

Television Journalism

1. Best Television Presenter
2. Best Television Material (Report, Interview)
3. Best Television Series
4. Best Information and Analytical Program
5. Best Documentary Project
6. Best Project in the Field of Public Responsibility (“Law and Order,” “Clean Kazakhstan”)

Print, Online and Radio Journalism

1. Journalist of the Year
2. Best Material of the Year (Interview, Report, Article)
3. Best Analytical Material
4. Best Media Project (YouTube, Podcast)
5. Best Radio Project
6. The Future of Journalism: Best Artificial Intelligence Project

Special attention in 2026 is being given to the future of journalism and new technologies. For the first time, a category has been introduced for projects in the field of artificial intelligence, reflecting new directions in the development of the media industry.

The competition entries will be evaluated by an independent jury comprising prominent journalists, distinguished industry professionals, and media experts.