The Audiovisual Council held its next meeting
On October 08, 2025 the Audiovisual Council of the Republic of Azerbaijan held its regular meeting.
The meeting addressed the serious issue of discriminatory approaches becoming increasingly prevalent in television programs broadcast in recent months. According to monitoring conducted current year several violations of Article 14.1.4 of the Law "On Media" were identified relating to the promotion of various forms of discrimination. Consequently, official warnings were issued to the "Space TV", "Xazar TV" and "ARB" channels at various times throughout the year, as well as the broadcasting of "Space TV" was suspended for six hours and the broadcasting of "Kanal S" was suspended for 24 hours. Additionally, broadcasters have been provided with regular recommendations to ensure a balanced approach to sensitive topics.
During the meeting the statements made on "Baku TV" during the broadcast of the program "Amin" on September 24, 2025 were also discussed in detail. During the program, while discussing topics related to gender and family relationships, a guest stated: "I am a woman. A man should always lead. This is the law of life, and if you violate this law, God will punish you through your son... This is God's law... God places women under the authority of men... "
Specialists from the Audiovisual Council’s Department of Monitoring and analysis of audiovisual programs identified the statements as a violation of Article 14.1.4 of the Law "On Media", specifically as the promotion of gender-based discrimination. Subsequently, the Council’s legal experts confirmed this incident as a violation in accordance with the relevant procedures.
At the meeting, the matter was thoroughly discussed, and it was unanimously concluded that these statements should be interpreted as promoting gender-based discrimination. Specifically, the guest's remarks during the program promoted gender discrimination and contradicted the principle of equality between men and women. During the speech, an attempt was made to justify these views through religious and philosophical arguments; however, the positions presented were expressed in a subjective and discriminatory manner, lacking any objective religious or scientific basis. It was also seen as the host affirmatively responding to the guest's opinions, which could promote gender discrimination. Members of the Audiovisual Council therefore agreed to issue a warning to the "Baku TV" channel.
The Audiovisual Council once again reminds broadcasters of the need for media to operate according to the principles of objectivity and non-discrimination and calls on broadcasters to adhere to the relevant legislation.
