The legislative framework for media, media pluralism and content diversity is based on the Constitution of the Republic of Azerbaijan (No.00 of November 12, 1995), Article 50 (Freedom of information), which establishes that “Everyone is free to legally seek, receive, impart, produce, and disseminate any information. Freedom of mass information is guaranteed. State censorship in mass media, including the press, is prohibited. Everyone’s right to refute or reply to information published in mass media, which may violate their rights or damage their interests, shall be guaranteed. The Law on Media (No.471-VIQ of December 30, 2021) establishes the organisational, legal, and economic foundations of media sector activities, as well as the general rules for obtaining, preparing, transmitting, producing, and broadcasting mass information. Laws On Obtaining Information (No.1024-IIQ of September 30, 2005), On Freedom of Information (No.505-IQ of June 19, 1998), On Telecommunication (No.927-IIQ of June 14, 2005), On Public Television and Radio Broadcasting (No.767-IIQ of September 28, 2004), On Protection of Children from Harmful Information (No.1310-VQ of October 30, 2018), On Information, Informatization and Information Protection (No.460-IQ of April 3, 1998) and On Personal Data (No.998-IIIQ of May 11, 2010) also must be mentioned in this line.
Concept of State Support for the Development of Mass Media in the Republic of Azerbaijan (No.2957 of 31 July 2008) defines the basic principles, forms, means and areas of state support for the development of mass media, as well as the conditions for allocating financial resources, following the requirements of civil society.
The country’s media landscape comprises over 5,000 mass communication media outlets owned by various political and public organisations, private organisations, and individuals registered in Azerbaijan. The country publishes approximately 40 daily newspapers, over 200 weekly and monthly newspapers, and more than 80 scientific, practical, socio-political, socio-economic, children’s, and women’s, as well as entertainment magazines. Approximately 20 news agencies in Azerbaijan regularly and comprehensively disseminate information about events in the country and worldwide. About 100 newspapers and magazines are published in regions. Azerbaijan operates 11 nationwide, four satellite, 17 cable television, eight regional, and 12 radio stations. The transition to digital broadcasting in Azerbaijan was completed in 2014. More than 50 journalist organisations are registered in Azerbaijan. The number of independent commercial companies distributing printed media in the capital and regions exceeds 20.
The primary regulators of the country’s media space are the following organisations:
- The Media Development Agency of the Republic of Azerbaijan public legal entity was established by the Decree of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, “On Deepening Reforms in the Media Sector in the Republic of Azerbaijan” (No.1249 of January 12, 2021), based on the State Support Fund for the Development of Mass Media under the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan (has been operating since 2009).
- The Audiovisual Council of the Republic of Azerbaijan, the body regulating the sphere of audiovisual media, was established following the Decree of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan On the application of the Law of the Republic of Azerbaijan No. 471-VIQ dated December 30, 2021 “On Media” and the regulation of several issues arising therefrom (№ 1589 of February 8, 2022) as the legal successor of the National Television and Radio Council which operated since 2002.
- The Press Council of Azerbaijan is a self-regulatory body. It was created on March 15, 2003, during the First Conference of Azerbaijani journalists, in which 180 media organisations were present.
The opening ceremony of the Public Television and Radio Broadcasting Company took place on August 29, 2005. When preparing programs, the public broadcaster considers the political views of the society, religious beliefs, various currents of public opinion, and the equality of citizens of the country. In addition, public television programs aim to reflect national and spiritual values, national customs and traditions, and diversity of culture and art. Public Television operates following the laws of Azerbaijan and the fundamental principles of classical public broadcasting.
Azerbaijan Television and Radio Broadcasting Closed Joint-Stock Company established the Medeniyyet Channel on February 14, 2011. One of the primary objectives of this Culture channel is to convey the rich human values of Azerbaijani culture globally and promote the world’s cultural treasures in the country, thereby shaping the artistic aesthetic taste of the young generation. Besides this unique arts and culture TV channel, other operating channels, depending on their broadcasting policy, also offer a variety of regular programme series with cultural and artistic content, ranging from popular pop shows to programmes on classical heritage.
The Ministry of Culture enhances media coverage of cultural policies by broadening the coverage of cultural projects and events implemented in Azerbaijan and abroad through the Ministry’s official Internet information resources (website, social networks, etc.) and the media (television, news agencies, news sites, etc.). Various analyses and monitoring of the disseminated information are regularly conducted.
In this regard, it is also worth noting the successful projects of the Ministry of Culture being implemented on social networks, television and radio, such as “Culture is Known by You”, “Journey to Cultural Heritage”, “Voice of Art”, “Cinema radio”, “Culture wave”, “Azerbaijani language”, “Our cultural heritage”, “Cultural poster”, “Presentations of cultural figures”, “Speaking culture”, “Culture and us”, “Creators and keepers of our cinema alive”, “Secret of a museum”, “Our heritage that sounds”, “Live performance of stage works”, etc.
Comments are closed.