In October 2008 a contract was signed between “BBC World Service” and Azerbaijan’s government to install three transmitters in Agsu, Lerik and Dashkesen regions to improve the quality of broadcasting of BBC radio. However, the broadcasts of "Radio Liberty", "Voice of America" and BBC via FM frequencies in Azerbaijan were ceased on 1 January 2009 on the basis of a decision that Azerbaijan's National Television and Radio Council issued on 30 December 2008, calling into question the fate of BBC’s contract.
The Institute for Reporters' Freedom and Safety contacted NTRC in connection with the abovementioned contract. NTRC Deputy Chairman Togrul Mammadov said that after the decision of NTRC to close down the radios, the contract with “BBC World Service” no longer has any effect.