Issuance of licenses
One of the main duties of the Audiovisual Council of the Republic of Azerbaijan is issuing licenses for audiovisual media entities in accordance with Article 47.1.4 of the Law “On Media”. The licensing process ensures that audiovisual media activities in Azerbaijan are organized within a legal framework, transparently and in accordance with modern standards, and serves to provide the public with quality information and the sustainable and healthy development of the audiovisual media sector
Licenses for audiovisual media entities are granted in two ways:
º On the basis of a competition
º Without a competition.
Licenses for terrestrial broadcasting and retransmission services, as well as satellite broadcasting (nationwide terrestrial television broadcasters' license, nationwide terrestrial radio broadcasters' license, regional terrestrial television broadcasters' license, regional terrestrial radio broadcasters' license, license of platform broadcaster performing satellite transmission, multiplex operators' license) are issued based on a competition announced by the Audiovisual Council. This process consists of several sequential stages: receip of documents; verification of documents and collection of information based on necessary info-requests; evaluation of applications; announcement of results.
Licenses for platform broadcasting and retransmission services, as well as for on-demand media services (license of platform broadcaster not performing satellite transmission, on-demand media service providers' license, simple platform operators' license, universal platform operators' license) are issued without a competition.
When issuing a license, not only creativity and technical capabilities are taken into account, but also compliance with public values, protection of national interests, legality, and the principles of responsibility. In addition to issuing licenses, the Audiovisual Council monitors compliance with the terms of those licenses. If activities contrary to the requirements of the legislation are detected, appropriate legal measures are taken.