Azerbaijan's Media: State-Run Or Independent?

Azerbaijan has a complex media landscape, with a mix of state-run and privately-owned outlets. The country has a history of censorship and control over the media, with all Azerbaijan-based TV channels adhering to the government line. The current state of media freedom in Azerbaijan is a cause for concern, with critical journalists facing risks of arrest, imprisonment, and even violence. While there are more than 5,000 registered media outlets in the country, the dominance of state-owned media and the suppression of dissenting voices raise questions about the diversity of information sources available to the public.

Azerbaijan's media landscape is restrictive, with no independent TV or radio transmitted from within the country

Azerbaijan's media landscape is restrictive, with no independent TV or radio stations broadcasting from within the country. While there are 47 television channels, including 4 public and 43 private channels, as well as 12 national and 31 regional channels, all Azerbaijan-based channels follow the government line.

State-owned AzTV operates three national channels, and there are four national privately-owned stations. However, even these private stations are owned by individuals with ties to the president and his associates. Traditional broadcast media, including TV and radio, are fully controlled by the government, leaving no room for alternative viewpoints to be expressed. Even during presidential election campaigns, opposition candidates struggle to gain access to broadcast media due to this tight government control.

The situation in print media is similarly restrictive. Most newspapers were established to serve political or personal interests, and their distribution is largely limited to Baku. Newspapers with critical stances, such as Azadliq, Ayna, and Zerkalo, have shut down due to the deterioration of the political situation, which has resulted in a decline in advertising revenue.

The few remaining independent media outlets and journalists face censorship, harassment, and even imprisonment. Authorities have carried out a widespread crackdown on civil liberties, making it difficult for independent journalists to express themselves freely. As a result, many independent news sites, such as Azadliq and Meydan TV, are based abroad.

The lack of favourable conditions for the development of independent media in Azerbaijan has resulted in a media landscape dominated by state-controlled outlets. This situation poses a significant threat to freedom of expression in the country.

State-owned media includes three national channels and four state-run channels

Azerbaijan has a complex media landscape, with a mix of state-owned and privately-owned outlets. State-owned media plays a significant role in the country's information landscape and includes three national channels and four state-run channels.

The three national channels are operated by AzTV, the state-owned broadcaster. AzTV is known for its pro-government stance and has been criticised for lacking objectivity and excluding alternative viewpoints. It is one of the most-watched channels in the country and plays a crucial role in shaping public opinion.

In addition to AzTV, there are four state-run channels, including Idman TV and Medeniyyet TV. These channels are also under the direct control of the government and are known for their alignment with the ruling party's agenda. They provide a platform for the government to communicate its policies and initiatives to the public.

The state-owned media in Azerbaijan has been a subject of concern for international organisations such as Reporters Without Borders (RSF). According to RSF, the country's media sector is almost entirely under official control, with no independent television or radio stations broadcasting from within Azerbaijan. Critical journalists face harassment, arrest, and imprisonment, creating a climate of self-censorship.

The dominance of state-owned media in Azerbaijan is further enhanced by the lack of favourable conditions for the development of independent media. Media outlets struggle with low revenues and limited advertising opportunities, making it challenging for them to establish sustainable business models. The government's control over the advertising sector further influences the ability of independent media to operate freely.

The government controls the advertising sector, making it impossible for independent media outlets to operate

Azerbaijan's media landscape is heavily influenced by the country's political processes, resulting in a clear divide between pro-government and pro-opposition outlets. While there are over 5,000 registered media outlets in the country, the government exerts significant control over the sector, particularly through its influence on advertising. This has made it extremely challenging for independent media outlets to operate sustainably.

The government's control of the advertising sector is a critical factor in shaping the media environment in Azerbaijan. State-owned television is the most popular information source in the country, and all Azerbaijan-based channels closely follow the government line. This dominance is further reinforced by the lack of long-term strategies among many media outlets due to limited competition and the absence of a robust free market.

Newspapers, which traditionally relied on advertising revenue, have been hit particularly hard. Publications like Azadliq, Ayna, and Zerkalo, which once had hundreds of advertising partners, have ceased operations due to the deteriorating political situation affecting the advertising market. This challenge is compounded by the lack of transparency regarding media ownership, making it difficult for outlets to adapt and diversify their revenue streams.

The government's influence extends beyond advertising. State-funded TV channels, such as AZTV and ITV, directly represent and promote the interests of the government rather than providing pluralistic information to citizens. Even during election campaigns, opposition candidates face significant barriers in accessing broadcast media, as all channels are controlled by the government. This lack of access to alternative viewpoints contributes to a media environment that struggles to foster independent voices and critical discourse.

The authorities have also actively suppressed dissenting voices and independent journalism. Journalists who refuse to self-censor or yield to harassment, beatings, blackmail, or bribes face arrest and imprisonment. The laws and regulatory bodies governing the media have become increasingly repressive, with the 2022 "media" law explicitly legalising censorship. Additionally, the government provides cash bonuses and subsidies to pro-government media outlets, further incentivising self-censorship and alignment with the official narrative.

As a result of these factors, independent media outlets in Azerbaijan face significant challenges in their operations. The combination of limited advertising opportunities, government censorship, and the risk of retaliation for critical reporting creates a hostile environment for independent journalism. This situation has led to a decline in press freedom in the country, with Azerbaijan ranking 154th out of 180 on the RSF Press Freedom Index.

Journalists who do not self-censor face restricted access to information and risk harassment, blackmail, bribery, and imprisonment

Journalists in Azerbaijan face a multitude of challenges and risks, especially if they do not self-censor. The country's media landscape is heavily controlled by the state, with most Azerbaijanis receiving their information from mainstream television, which is strictly pro-government.

Journalists who do not conform to the official narrative face a range of consequences, including restricted access to information, harassment, blackmail, bribery attempts, and even imprisonment. Government agencies refuse to answer their questions, and critical journalists are often denied access to print houses and distribution networks.

The authorities have been accused of using pro-government media to threaten critics, including journalists, by publishing compromising personal information or threatening to do so. This tactic has been particularly targeted at female journalists, with the government employing blackmail and smear campaigns to coerce them into ceasing their critical reporting.

Journalists who resist these pressures are at risk of arrest and imprisonment on fabricated or politicized charges, such as hooliganism, drug possession, or treason. Assaults and attacks against journalists are common, and the perpetrators often enjoy impunity due to a lack of prosecution.

The few remaining independent media outlets in Azerbaijan struggle to survive financially, as they are cut off from advertising revenue due to government control of the sector. This makes them reliant on foreign donors, which has been prohibited since 2014, further squeezing their resources.

The situation has been condemned by various international organizations, including Reporters Without Borders (RSF), the Committee to Protect Journalists, Amnesty International, and Freedom House. RSF's 2022 report placed Azerbaijan at 167th out of 180 countries on the Press Freedom Index, with a score of 58.48.

The legislative framework in Azerbaijan further restricts media freedom. The "media" law that came into effect in February 2022 legalizes censorship, and several other laws affecting the media violate the country's international obligations regarding freedom of expression and the press. Defamation, including of the president, remains a criminal offense, carrying the risk of substantial fines and imprisonment.

The government has also increased its control over the internet and social media, with users critical of the government facing severe penalties. This has led to widespread self-censorship among Azerbaijani journalists.

Azerbaijan ranks 154th out of 180 on the RSF Press Freedom Index

Azerbaijan ranks 154th out of 180 countries on the RSF Press Freedom Index, falling between Belarus (153rd) and Russia (155th). The country's poor performance on the index reflects the government's tight control over the media and its suppression of independent media outlets and journalists.

The media landscape in Azerbaijan is highly restrictive, with virtually the entire sector under official government control. State-owned television is the most popular information source, and no independent television or radio is transmitted from within the country. All print newspapers with a critical stance have been shut down, and independent news sites, such as Azadliq and Meydan TV, are based abroad to avoid state censorship.

The authorities in Azerbaijan have been accused of waging a relentless war against critics, with independent journalists and bloggers facing imprisonment, harassment, beatings, blackmail, or bribes. The heads of media regulation agencies and the journalists' federation are appointed by the government, allowing for further control and censorship.

The media legislation in Azerbaijan has become increasingly repressive, with the "media" law that took effect in February 2022 legalising censorship. Several laws affecting the media violate the country's international obligations regarding freedom of expression and the press. In addition, social media users who criticise the government face severe penalties, including fines and imprisonment.

The lack of media freedom in Azerbaijan has serious consequences for the country's society. With no independent media outlets operating safely inside the country, the population relies on foreign media sources such as Meydan TV, which covers sensitive topics like human rights violations and the persecution of LGBT+ individuals. The government's control of information allows it to manipulate and disregard the needs of its citizens, posing a significant threat to freedom of expression and access to information.

Frequently asked questions