On April 27 Azerbaijan’s National Television and Radio Council finally extended the license of ANS Broadcasting Company for another six years. ANS, which operates a TV station and radio station, as well as several magazines and an online news agency, is widely considered the most independent broadcaster in Azerbaijan. (29-APR-07)
Placed on web by Shahla Ismailova/HRH Baku on the basis of information from the Institute of Reporters’ Freedom and Safety
Recall that the company’s radio and TV broadcasts were abruptly ceased by the government on 24 November 2006, after several months of wrangling over whether the company was allowed to broadcast programming from BBC, VOA and Radio Liberty and other legislation issues. But, following great outcry from the local and international community, after 10 days off the air, the company was given permission to resume broadcasts. It was not however given a license; instead its radio frequency and TV channel were put up for auction. In the first three months of 2007 two tenders were conducted for these, however only ANS participated. According to Azerbaijani legislation at least three companies must participate for a tender to be considered legitimate. This situation left ANS in limbo until the NTRC adopted on several amendments to its regulations and passed a decision to extend ANS’ license this past Friday.
The OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media, Miklos Haraszti (on the right), greeted the decision by the National TV and Radio Council to grant a license for six more years to ANS “Along with the OSCE Office in Baku, which has also expressed its concern on several occasions over the fate of ANS, I see this decision as providing more choice for the audience and therefore benefiting pluralism in the media,” said Haraszti.
