The Azerbaijani media is celebrating its 150th anniversary this year. The Azerbaijani press, following the principles declared by Akinchi, a newspaper published in the Azerbaijani language by outstanding intellectual, publicist and naturalist Hasan Bey Zardabi on July 22, 1875, has covered an impressive path of development.  Numerous publications released after the second half of the 19th century have been a mirror of Azerbaijan`s history and made an invaluable contribution to educating the people, forming national consciousness, realizing the freedom dreams of Azerbaijani people and protecting their moral values.

July 22 is celebrated as the National Press Day in Azerbaijan. The Akinchi was not only a milestone in the history of the Azerbaijani press but also one of the outstanding representatives of the era of enlightenment movement in Azerbaijan.  After the Akinchi there was significant progress in this field, with the emergence of many other newspapers and magazines like Ziya, Kashkul, Irshad, Molla Nasraddin, Fyuzat, etc.

Since its establishment, the press began to play a major role in the social, political and cultural life of the Azerbaijani people.

The democratic reforms implemented under the leadership of national leader Heydar Aliyev in Azerbaijan, a country that regained its independence at the end of the 20th century, paved the way for fundamental changes in the development of national information resources.  As a result of the systematic measures taken in the direction of freedom of speech and information, developing a progressive legal framework and strengthening the independence of editorial offices, the Azerbaijani media entered the stage of rapid development.

The Law of the Republic of Azerbaijan “On Media”, which came into force in 2022, clarifies the legal framework of the relationship between the state and the media, and also defines the organizational, legal, and economic principles of media activity in the country, along with the general regulations overseeing the acquisition, preparation, transmission, production, and dissemination of mass information.

The Law was developed with consideration of international norms and principles, as well as advanced foreign experience. Given that the subject of the relevant Law is the relations arising in the field of media, first of all, the requirements of Article 10 of the European Convention for the Protection of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms, which provides the right of everyone to freedom of expression, were taken as the basis, and the ideas as well as objectives of the Law were formulated in compliance with the mentioned Article.

The above-mentioned right is also unequivocally reflected in the Constitution of the Republic of Azerbaijan, in which it is expressly stated that everyone has the right to legally seek, receive, impart, prepare, and disseminate the information they want, and that freedom of mass information is guaranteed.

Among 37 professional and independent journalist institutions as of today, there are two prominent institutions in Azerbaijan facilitating and contributing to the advancement of principles and the environment of professional media in the country: Press Council of Azerbaijan and Media Development Agency of the Republic of Azerbaijan.

On October 14, 2022, the Media Register, an electronic information system was established with the aim of systematizing data related to media entities, including their editorial offices, and journalists in the Republic of Azerbaijan, began operating. The Media Register provides an opportunity to gather information on existing media entities and journalists in the country, strengthen their economic independence, clearly define the scope of those eligible for various privileges when such support is necessary, and contribute to the development of mechanisms for protecting the rights granted to media entities and journalists.

To analyze various trends in the media field within both global and local contexts, promote the exchange of knowledge and experience on pressing issues, and expand cooperation between local and foreign media representatives and entities media forums have been organized in the city of Shusha, Azerbaijan with the participation of officials, media and civil society representatives, state and business leaders, defenders of media freedom, representatives of international organizations, and media experts from various countries.  An International Media Forum titled “Global Trends and New Challenges in Media” was held on July 22, 2022, in Shusha. The forum was attended by around 200 participants, including foreign media representatives, experts from about 20 countries, and local media professionals.

In order to analyze a broad spectrum of trends observed in the new media environment, expand international cooperation in the media field, analyze leading trends and explore the implementation mechanisms of opportunities created by innovative evolution for creative industries, the First Shusha Global Media Forum titled “New Media in the Era of the 4th Industrial Revolution” was held on July 22—24, 2023, in Shusha. The President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Mr. Ilham Aliyev participated in the opening ceremony of the Forum and answered numerous questions from local and foreign media representatives. The Forum was attended by 150 foreign guests from 49 countries, including representatives from the state information agencies of 34 countries, 12 international organizations and media entities, as well as 60 local media leaders and representatives. The event also featured the presentation of various international projects, exhibitions, cultural events, training sessions, the signing of numerous cooperation agreements, and the introduction of the Non-Aligned Movement Media Platform initiative.

The Second Shusha Global Media Forum on “Unmasking False Narratives: Confronting Disinformation” was held from July 20-22, 2024. The main goal of the forum was to discuss global media agenda and create a joint action platform against disinformation. During the forum, various panel sessions, parallel events, and meetings were held with the participation of more than 150 foreign guests from 50 countries, including nearly 30 state information agencies, 85 entities and international organizations, as well as 40 local media leaders and representatives.

The forum addressed innovative methods for combating disinformation, the exploration of proactive strategies and the broad analysis of this issue, the role of media in this process, and the identification of effective solutions. Discussions also focused on the impact of artificial intelligence on reality, the media, and disinformation, as well as the importance of media literacy in combating disinformation. During the forum, various panel discussions, a presentation on “Solidarity for a Green World - COP29”, a meeting of the Executive Committee of the Alliance of Turkish News Agencies (ATNA), and numerous parallel events were held.

The 3rd Shusha Global Media Forum under the theme “Digital Pathways: Strengthening Information and Media Resilience in the Age of AI” was held in Khankendi. The President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Mr. Ilham Aliyev participated in the opening ceremony of the Forum and answered numerous questions from local and foreign media representatives.

The forum, had been running from July 19 to July 21, bringing together up to 140 international delegates from 52 countries, representing over 30 news agencies, seven international organizations, nearly 80 media outlets, and other entities relevant to the media landscape.

The 3rd Shusha Global Media Forum continues served as a vital platform for dialogue on strengthening media resilience and fostering collaboration amid evolving digital landscapes.