According to 7 January reports of “Azadlig” and “Bizim Yol” newspapers, the employees of Communication and Information Technologies Ministry went to Baku office of “Radio Liberty” on 6 January and attempted to cut the TV communication and transmission lines of the radio.
However, the Communication and Information Technologies Ministry’s Radio-TV Broadcasting and Satellite Communication Production Head Director Aflatun Sharifov told the Institute for Reporters’ Freedom and Safety that no employee from the ministry ever went to any radio station in connection with the decision (30 December, 2008) of National TV and Radio Council to shut down the broadcasting of foreign radio stations (“Radio Liberty”, VOA, and BBC) via FM frequencies.
“Radio Liberty” Baku Bureau neither confirmed nor rejected these reports. The radio stated that RFE/RL central office will distribute special information regarding the issue.
On the basis of a decision adopted by the National TV and Radio Council on 30 December 2008 the broadcasting of “Radio Liberty”, VOA, and BBC via FM frequency was ceased as of 1 January 2009.
“Radio Liberty” Baku Bureau neither confirmed nor rejected these reports. The radio stated that RFE/RL central office will distribute special information regarding the issue.
On the basis of a decision adopted by the National TV and Radio Council on 30 December 2008 the broadcasting of “Radio Liberty”, VOA, and BBC via FM frequency was ceased as of 1 January 2009.