The Milli Majlis (National Assembly) of Azerbaijan has officially adopted the creation of a unified regulatory body, the Media and Broadcasting Council, in its final reading.
According to the Operative Information Center-OMM, the decision follows the approval of proposed amendments to the laws "On Civil Service" and "On Media" during today's extraordinary session of the Milli Majlis.
The legislation addresses the growing necessity for a more agile and collegial mechanism to ensure national information security and the economic independence of the media sector in Azerbaijan. This transition is designed to bridge the gaps between print, online, and audiovisual media, fostering a unified approach to the country's information ecosystem.
During the session, it was emphasized that the establishment of the Media and Broadcasting Council, which will operate under a collegial management model, is expected to strengthen media independence and bolster public trust. The integration of the Council's duties and obligations into the "On Media" law serves as an effective mechanism for modernizing regulatory standards.
The proposed amendments also necessitate corresponding changes to the "On Civil Service" law, ensuring legal consistency. Overall, the legislative package aims to modernize regulatory frameworks, strengthen implementation mechanisms, ensure legal certainty, and align national media practices with international standards.
Following comprehensive discussions, the bill was put to a vote and passed in its third and final reading.
The creation of this Council marks a significant step in Azerbaijan's ongoing efforts to streamline its media landscape. By centralizing regulatory oversight, the state aims to protect the domestic information space from external threats while simultaneously creating a more stable environment for local media outlets to develop and thrive in a digital-first era.
