The Audiovisual Council of the Republic of Azerbaijan has issued an official statement regarding recent complaints and inquiries received from citizens and media representatives via its official website and electronic communication channels.
Operative Information Center-OMM reports that the Council has been inundated with requests concerning the criticism of several television programs, including "Tarixin bir günü" and "Elgizlə izlə," as well as their hosts and invited guests.
The Council noted that some appeals explicitly demand the closure of these specific programs or the suspension of entire television channels. In response, the regulatory body emphasized that its operations are strictly governed by the Law of the Republic of Azerbaijan "On Media" and other relevant legislation. Article 5.4 of the Law "On Media" explicitly states that activities in the media sector are carried out on the basis of creative and editorial independence.
According to the official statement, the commencement or termination of any program, the hiring or dismissal of presenters and editorial staff, and the selection of guests and discussion topics fall exclusively within the scope of editorial policy. These matters do not fall under the jurisdiction of the Audiovisual Council. The Council further clarified that any sanctions or administrative measures against a broadcaster are only implemented based on specific violations of the Law "On Media" and other regulatory frameworks.
Consequently, the Audiovisual Council cannot fulfill demands from citizens to shut down programs or remove presenters from the air based solely on public preference.
Despite these jurisdictional limits, the Council maintains regular communication with the heads of broadcasting companies and editorial managers. During these meetings, the Council provides necessary recommendations within its powers regarding issues that cause justified public dissatisfaction with television content.
The Audiovisual Council serves as the primary regulatory body for the audiovisual media industry in Azerbaijan, ensuring that broadcasters adhere to national standards while respecting the legal protections afforded to independent media outlets. The Law "On Media," adopted in early 2022, was designed to modernize the country's information space and define the rights and responsibilities of both journalists and regulators in the digital age.
