Today, January 18th, the National Television and Radio Council announced the winner of the competition for the 103.3 FM radio frequency. The winner is the “Golden Prince” company. The radio station of the company is called “Azad Kheber” (Free news), however it will use the name “Araz” when broadcasting.
The radio representatives are planning to to address the local and international audience. The new radio claims to replace the place of “Araz” radio station, which operated during the Soviet period and was popular in eastern countries.
The other participants in the competition included Objective TV and Radio broadcasting Company and human rights defender Rasul Jafarov. “Objective TV” was founded by Turan Information Agency Director Mehman Aliyev and Institute for Reporters’ Freedom and Safety (IRFS) Chairman Emin Huseynov. Objective TV representatives gave comprehensive answers to the questions of the juries. Aliyev and Huseynov stated that their companies have enough experience and necessary personnel to ensure high quality operation of the radio station. However, the jury ignored the evidence and multi-year experience of “Turan”, a pioneer in the information sphere of Azerbaijan.
As a result, the frequency for the radio was granted to a company, unknown in mass media. It’s interesting, that despite the insistence of Huseynov, the names of the Golden Prince founders were not disclosed, which a legal violation.
It’s worth noting that BBC radio was broadcast on 103.3 frequency until 2009. As of January 1, 2009, the broadcasting of BBC, Voice of America, and Radio Liberty on local frequencies was suspended.
11 radio stations are broadcast on local frequencies in Azerbaijan at present and none of them provide independent views or opinions.
The other participants in the competition included Objective TV and Radio broadcasting Company and human rights defender Rasul Jafarov. “Objective TV” was founded by Turan Information Agency Director Mehman Aliyev and Institute for Reporters’ Freedom and Safety (IRFS) Chairman Emin Huseynov. Objective TV representatives gave comprehensive answers to the questions of the juries. Aliyev and Huseynov stated that their companies have enough experience and necessary personnel to ensure high quality operation of the radio station. However, the jury ignored the evidence and multi-year experience of “Turan”, a pioneer in the information sphere of Azerbaijan.
As a result, the frequency for the radio was granted to a company, unknown in mass media. It’s interesting, that despite the insistence of Huseynov, the names of the Golden Prince founders were not disclosed, which a legal violation.
It’s worth noting that BBC radio was broadcast on 103.3 frequency until 2009. As of January 1, 2009, the broadcasting of BBC, Voice of America, and Radio Liberty on local frequencies was suspended.
11 radio stations are broadcast on local frequencies in Azerbaijan at present and none of them provide independent views or opinions.