Deputy minister: Digitalization creates basis for emergence of alternative news sources

Digitalization, in addition to strengthening the social functions of the media, such as public oversight and transparency, creates the basis for the emergence of alternative news sources, Azerbaijani Deputy Minister of Digital Development and Transport Rahman Hummatov said at the 2nd "Social processes in the context of media" forum organized by the Media Development Agency in Baku, Report informs.

According to Hummatov, this also ensures information access for society: "As a result of the reforms carried out in the ICT and transport sectors over the past four years, noticeable changes have occurred in the quality of service and the efficiency of management."

The minister noted that the changes made in Azerbaijan's transport sector in recent years serve not only to renew the physical infrastructure, but also to improve the quality of service and accelerate economic growth: "In order to form a more flexible, coordinated and effective management model, the Azerbaijan Transport and Communication Holding (AZCON) was established by order of the head of state. The establishment of AZCON serves to strengthen synergy between the transport and ICT sectors, increase economic efficiency and ensure financial stability."

Hummatov emphasized that today's forum is an important platform for discussing the growing role of the media in social processes: "The important steps taken in the field of digital development in our country create conditions for the continuous development of the media space and its adaptation to modern requirements. The full coverage of the country with broadband Internet within the framework of the recently successfully completed Online Azerbaijan project has significantly increased the accessibility of information, and has created conditions for citizens living even in remote regions to receive operational information from various sources."