On July 8, the Heydar Aliyev Center in Baku hosted a conference “The Role of National Leader Heydar Aliyev in Media Development,” organized by the Media Development Agency.
The participants first viewed the exhibition “150 Years of Azerbaijani Press: From History to the Present.”
The exhibition showcases photographs of meetings between National Leader Heydar Aliyev and President Ilham Aliyev with journalists, as well as publications and events that hold a significant place in the history and development of Azerbaijani media.
The event opened with a minute of silence in honor of National Leader Heydar Aliyev and the martyrs who gave their lives for the country’s independence and territorial integrity. This was followed by the performance of the National Anthem of the Republic of Azerbaijan.
A video presentation was then screened, featuring National Leader Heydar Aliyev’s views on the history, development, and future of Azerbaijani media, as well as the media’s role in public education and promotion of national values.
Addressing the event, Ahmad Ismayilov, Executive Director of the Media Development Agency said, “The advanced media principles laid down by National Leader Heydar Aliyev continue to shape Azerbaijan’s state information policy and remain a top priority.”
He emphasized that following the restoration of Azerbaijan’s independence, the country was provided with broad opportunities to guarantee freedom of speech and information, build a democratic and independent press, establish a comprehensive legal framework, and ensure economic sustainability in the media sector.
“Thanks to the political will and tireless efforts of National Leader Heydar Aliyev, who returned to power in 1993 at the request of the people, the barriers hindering pluralism and freedom of speech and information were removed,” Ismayilov noted.
He highlighted a key milestone: by a Presidential Decree dated August 6, 1998, the General Directorate for the Protection of State Secrets in the Press and Other Mass Media under the Cabinet of Ministers was abolished, effectively ending press censorship in Azerbaijan and opening new avenues for media development.
Ahmad Ismayilov concluded that the enhancement of the legislative framework governing media activities, aligning it with international standards, and the overall formation and rapid growth of a democratic press in Azerbaijan are directly associated with the legacy and leadership of National Leader Heydar Aliyev.
The event continued with the panel discussion titled “The Media principles established by National Leader Heydar Aliyev”, moderated by Rafig Hashimov, Deputy Chairman of “Azerbaijan Television and Radio Broadcasting” CJSC.
“The press is one of the key spheres discovered and developed by democratic societies and people with a democratic mindset. The achievements gained in this field are of particular importance,” said Bahar Muradova, Chair of Azerbaijan’s State Committee for Family, Women, and Children Affairs.
She noted that the progress of a society is also reflected in the development of its press. Muradova highlighted the establishment, historical evolution, and achievements of the Azerbaijani press.
“The Azerbaijani press reached its peak of development during the presidency of National Leader Heydar Aliyev. One of his most significant contributions was the abolition of censorship. Heydar Aliyev always envisioned a free and independent press,” she emphasized.
Noting that a very significant date will be celebrated this November – the fifth anniversary of the Great Victory, TASS First Deputy Director General Mikhail Gusman addressed the management of the Media Development Agency and proposed holding a conference on President Ilham Aliyev`s role in the development of Azerbaijan`s media on that eve.
“I believe that this conference will be momentous. The 26 interviews given by President Ilham Aliyev during the 44-day Patriotic War are the greatest fantastic example of professional journalistic diplomacy I know that a book has been published about these interviews. However, it seems to me that the Supreme Commander-in-Chief’s prowess in information should be discussed and analyzed separately. I would be glad if such a conference were held,” he noted.
Other speakers included Arif Rahimzade, member of the Board of the New Azerbaijan Party (NAP), Chairman of NAP Veterans Council; Anar Isgandarov, member of Azerbaijan’s Milli Majlis, member of the NAP Board; Vugar Rahimzade, member of the Milli Majlis, honoured journalist.
The conference concluded with a round table themed “Heydar Aliyev’s educational policy: the role of education in increasing the journalist professionalism”, bringing together academic representatives specialized in journalism and communications.
