The Audiovisual Council adopted decision to suspend for 24 hours the broadcasting of "Kanal S" television channel
On April 1, 2025 an online meeting of the Audiovisual Council of the Republic of Azerbaijan was held. The meeting discussed the compliance of the statements expressed by the presenter during the program of "Kanal S" television channel on March 28, with the requirements of the legislation.
The monitoring report and the relevant legal opinion on the above-mentioned issue were first considered, after which members of the Council expressed their point of views. As a result of the discussions, the final opinion was agreed that the program violated the requirements of Article 14.1.4 (racial, religious, origin-based, gender, ethnic, and other discrimination shall not be promoted) of the Law of the Republic of Azerbaijan "On Media". It was stated that the presenter's remarks not only violated ethical rules, but also constituted a significant violation of legislative requirements regarding gender equality and the prohibition of promoting any form of discrimination.
Due to the detected violation, it was decided to apply a sanction in the form of suspension of broadcasting for the maximum possible period provided for by the Law. According to the adopted Decision broadcasting of "Kanal S" television channel will be suspended for 24 hours from 06:00 on 4 April 2025 to 06:00 on 5 April 2025. In addition, the management of "Kanal-S" LLC is required to ensure channel's presenters comply with the requirements of the Law "On Media".
It should be noted that the Audiovisual Council of the Republic of Azerbaijan, within the powers granted by the Law "On Media", implements measures to ensure compliance with legislation in sphere of television and radio broadcasting as well as media freedom. A number of social media users have appealed to the Audiovisual Council, demanding removal of some television programs and dismissal of some TV presenters or removing them from running of programs.
The Audiovisual Council states that media censorship is prohibited in the Republic of Azerbaijan, and no natural or legal person, organization or state body has the right to interfere with media freedom. The production and broadcasting of programs is carried out by the broadcaster within the legislative requirements, without any external interference. Administrative sanctions as stipulated by the Law, should be only imposed to the broadcaster in the case of a violation of legal requirements, regardless of whether the violation was committed by the presenter, expert, or guests.
