Azerbaijani Press Under the Weight of Circumstances

Azerbaijani press celebrates its 149th anniversary, a milestone that takes us back to the visionary efforts of Hasan bey Zardabi, who in 1875 founded the first printed newspaper "Ekinchi" ("The Sower"). Zardabi's pioneering endeavors planted the seeds of Azerbaijani journalism, nurturing a legacy that has endured the oppressive environment of Tsarist Russia, Soviet rule, and the turbulent political landscape of modern Azerbaijan.

Next year, the government plans to grandly celebrate the 150th anniversary of its press. However, despite advancements in modern technology and digital media, the Azerbaijani press remains metaphorically tied to the era of the linotype machine, constrained by government influence that stifles its progress and freedom.

Romanticized as a beacon of enlightenment, Zardabi's vision of Azerbaijani journalism was infused with ideals of free thought, expression, and a rich literary style. Today, however, these aspirations seem far from reality. Contemporary Azerbaijani journalism has, at best, been reduced to a series of uninspired reports lacking the depth and critical analysis envisioned by Zardabi and his contemporaries such as Mamedguluzade, Shahtakhtinsky, Sabir, Rasulzade, and Agaev. Government-friendly media typically begin their reports with the uninspired phrase "This was stated by so-and-so," followed by content often devoid of substance and critical insight.

On National Press Day, July 22, the state of Azerbaijani journalism appears bleak. The socio-economic problems faced by the country have also impacted the media. In recent years, financial pressure, artificially imposed by the authorities, has paralyzed independent publications. The advertising market, once a vital economic support for the media, shrank to just $10 million in 2022, with television channels monopolizing over 95% of this income. International standards suggest that a healthy advertising market should be around 1% of GDP, or approximately $700 million for Azerbaijan. The stark contrast eloquently highlights the dire state of the country's media economy.

In a worrying turn of events, the State Statistics Committee did not publish its annual report on media advertising for the first time, citing unfinished work. This omission, six months after the end of 2023, indirectly indicates further deterioration of the media advertising market. A visit to the Baku metro reveals the harsh reality—empty or cheap advertising posters dominate the landscape, signaling a sharp decline in the advertising market, unprecedented in recent times.

Economic constraints are not the only shackles on Azerbaijani journalism. Government websites increasingly resemble boutique platforms, prioritizing style over substance. Reports of ministerial meetings and official discussions flood the digital space, with little emphasis on informative value. The Law on Access to Information, intended to ensure transparency, is regularly ignored. Official responses to information requests are either absent or irrelevant, undermining the essence of accountability.

Self-censorship has become a widespread problem, with journalists and bloggers often facing imprisonment for expressing dissent or covering topics unpleasant to the authorities. The 149th year of the Azerbaijani press is overshadowed by unprecedented arrests, particularly of journalists from "Abzas Media", "Toplum TV" and «Kanal13».  These arrests, ostensibly for foreign funding, are in reality punitive measures against the pursuit of freedom of speech.

Azerbaijani authorities have long scapegoated the press for the country's economic and social problems. However, the truth is that the press merely reflects the society it serves. Distortions in this reflection often stem not from the journalists themselves but from the subjects they cover—distorted statistics, convoluted official statements, and the deliberate withholding of information that should rightfully be public.

As Azerbaijan enters this challenging anniversary year, the question arises: Will the country honor its journalistic heritage with dignity? The journey from Zardabi's pioneering days to the present has been fraught with obstacles, but the spirit of free speech and truthful reporting remains a cornerstone worth defending.

To paraphrase Shakespeare: "To be or not to be?"—Azerbaijani journalism stands at this existential crossroads, striving to reclaim the integrity and freedom envisioned by its forefathers.