The Media Development Agency of the Republic of Azerbaijan (MEDİA) has announced a competition to provide financial support to online media outlets. The initiative is designed to bolster the digital media landscape and enhance the professional capabilities of news organizations operating within the country.
According to the Operative Information Center-OMM, the competition is open to online media subjects registered in the Media Registry that specialize in socio-political and sports content. Applications and supporting documentation must be submitted electronically through the mib.media.gov.az portal. To be eligible, media entities must maintain a staff of at least four employees, including one managing editor and three journalists.
Under the terms of the program, winning media outlets will sign a six-month contract with the Agency, receiving a monthly financial grant of 5,000 AZN. A key condition of the support is that each of the four designated staff members must be paid a minimum monthly salary of 800 AZN. The deadline for applications is set for May 12, 2026, at 18:00. Detailed rules and regulations for the competition can be found here.
The Media Development Agency was established by a decree of President Ilham Aliyev to support the modernization of the national media, encourage the application of new technologies, and ensure the economic independence of media subjects in Azerbaijan. This grant program aligns with the state's ongoing efforts to promote high-quality journalism and provide social protection for media professionals while ensuring transparency through the centralized Media Registry system.
