Baku, Azerbaijan, Nov. 14
By Elchin Mehdiyev - Trend:
The Azerbaijani government pursues the policy which contributes to the development of democratic values in society, including freedom of expression and information, liberal media environment, and differs for its consistency and adherence to principles, head of the Public and Political Issues Department of Presidential Administration of Azerbaijan, Ali Hasanov told Trend on Nov. 14.
Hasanov was commenting on claims in connection with Azadlig and Yeni Musavat newspapers.
"Without making any distinction, Azerbaijani government has been comprehensively supporting the development of the logistics of media for many years," Hasanov said.
"For the last five years, this support has become more systematic, the aid volumes have increased, and a series of actions have been launched to strengthen the journalists' social protection. Therefore, the claims that the authority allegedly intends to force out the independent media outlets are unfounded and do not stand up to criticism," he said.
According to Hasanov, the public demand is a major factor shaping the rating of media outlets in Azerbaijan as in any democratic country.
"For getting the information, the citizens give more preference to the media outlets, which are the carriers of objective and timely information, as well as take an impartial stance, follow the rules of ethics, and serve the interests of the whole society, rather the certain marginal political groups, business entities, various external circles," Hasanov said.
"The media outlets, who are willing to confuse the public by using wrong and biased information, incorrect conclusions in an effort to create scandals to raise circulation, and where the insults and slander are commonplace, are already losing their readers and their functionality as subjects of public demand," he added.
Hasanov noted with regret that some opposition newspapers politicize the issue to divert attention from the root of the problem instead searching for the right way out of this situation.
"Their attempts to improve in this way their financial status cannot be considered effective even from short-term perspective. The only way is to clearly and objectively analyze the current situation and bring changes in their activity," he underscored.