Ahmad Ismayilov: New law to reinforce media environment

The purpose of the new bill "On Media" in Azerbaijan is to increase information security, develop and stimulate the activities of the media, Ahmad Ismayilov, Executive Director of the Media Development Agency (MEDIA), said this during the bill's discussion at a joint meeting of the Parliamentary Committee for Legal Policy and State-Building and the Human Rights Committee.

According to him, media reforms and the development of the bill "On Media" embody the political will of the state:

"The media law means fresh opportunities and a new stage in the development of Azerbaijani media. It provides an accurate classification of media subjects, and at the same time, serves as a tool to determine the social portrait of the journalist. The bill on media will contribute to the clarification of the legal landscape as one of the key elements in state-media relations."

Ismayilov noted that the bill envisages the creation of a Media Register: "The register will help support the development of journalists and media entities by defining their circle. It is planned to issue licenses to journalists included in the record. Although the issuance of a single journalistic card to journalists included in the Media Register is voluntary, it will positively impact the health of the media environment."