Alma-Media holding stood up against an attempt by an oligarch to take over its media resources

Alma-Media holding, comprising KTK TV channel, Caravan newspaper and a number of other companies, managed to intercept a RK oligarch structure's attempt to take over its resources, Alma-Media publishing house director general Andrey Shukhov told the reporters at a yesterday's press conference in Almaty.

Shukhov stressed the action had been thoroughly planned and aimed at getting rid of the holding's management and a further pressure on reporters working for Alma-Media.

The pressure began "a few months ago", Shukhov said, after the holding management refused to be part of a campaign to discredit the RK higher superior officials. Afterwards the Alma-Media security stated the holdings offices and transport had been followed. Finally the pressure resulted in a "Vremya po" paper published a "plot to overthrow and capture power in Kazakhstan", in which a certain role was alleged to Alma-Media management. Daniyar Ashimbaev, publisher of "Who is Who in Kazakhstan" was also mentioned as a person allegedly transferring the data received from Shukhov to Moscow, where it had been published on the Eurasia.org.ru site.

After Ashimbaev was taken into custody by the Interior police for the possession of drugs, Shukhov said it became clear that Alma-Media mangement might have been removed similarly. The pressure and a willing to avoid risks forced Alma-Media management to halt KTK broadcasting and a Caravan paper due issue.

Shukhov thanked RK president Nursultan Nazarbayev for his support. Presently, he noted, all structures of Alma-Media publishing house operate normally.

KTK director general Sergey Kleschenkov also said last week a deal was signed to sell 20% shares of TOO Publishing House Alma-Media, which was previously owned by the management. The lot was purchased by Steve Bushem, a US citizen and an owner of an American investment company operating in the oil and gas field.