BBC News Azerbaijani has provided independent journalism since 1994 but faces operational challenges due to government restrictions.
Azerbaijan Halts BBC News Azerbaijani Operations, Citing Staffing Issues
Azerbaijan Halts BBC News Azerbaijani Operations, Citing Staffing Issues
Government's directive to limit BBC presence raises concerns over press freedom
The Azerbaijani government has instructed the suspension of BBC News' Azerbaijani branch in the capital city, Baku. This decision, which was publicly announced on Thursday, has led the BBC to express their strong disapproval, describing the move as a significant setback for press freedom. In a statement, the media outlet conveyed its “reluctant decision” to close its Baku office following a verbal directive from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Amid these developments, state-controlled media has hinted at the government’s desire to reduce the BBC's staff in Azerbaijan to just one individual. As a response, the BBC's Baku team has halted their journalistic operations while they seek clarity regarding the government’s instruction. The corporation remains dedicated to continuing its news services in Azerbaijani despite the challenges presented by this new order.
A spokesperson for the BBC stated, “We deeply regret this restrictive move against press freedom, which will hinder our ability to report to and from Azerbaijan for our audiences inside and outside the country.” Despite reaching an average audience of one million people weekly, the BBC has received no formal written communication from the Azerbaijani government and has made multiple attempts to gain insight into the rationale behind the decision. As of now, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Azerbaijan has not yet provided a response to the BBC's inquiries.
BBC News Azerbaijani has been operating since 1994, initially providing news through radio before expanding into various digital platforms, thus ensuring a continuous supply of impartial information to the public. The recent government actions raise questions about the future of independent journalism in the region, especially at a time when audience engagement with the outlet has been on the rise.
Amid these developments, state-controlled media has hinted at the government’s desire to reduce the BBC's staff in Azerbaijan to just one individual. As a response, the BBC's Baku team has halted their journalistic operations while they seek clarity regarding the government’s instruction. The corporation remains dedicated to continuing its news services in Azerbaijani despite the challenges presented by this new order.
A spokesperson for the BBC stated, “We deeply regret this restrictive move against press freedom, which will hinder our ability to report to and from Azerbaijan for our audiences inside and outside the country.” Despite reaching an average audience of one million people weekly, the BBC has received no formal written communication from the Azerbaijani government and has made multiple attempts to gain insight into the rationale behind the decision. As of now, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Azerbaijan has not yet provided a response to the BBC's inquiries.
BBC News Azerbaijani has been operating since 1994, initially providing news through radio before expanding into various digital platforms, thus ensuring a continuous supply of impartial information to the public. The recent government actions raise questions about the future of independent journalism in the region, especially at a time when audience engagement with the outlet has been on the rise.
