European Standards and the Trajectory of Declining Media Freedom

Every year on May 3, the world marks World Press Freedom Day — a date meant to remind us of the value of independent journalism. But in 2026, this day increasingly sounds less like a celebration and more like a diagnosis.

On April 30, the international organization for the protection of the press, Reporters Without Borders, published the World Press Freedom Index, an annual report on the state of press freedom.

The military escalation in the Middle East occupied a central place in Azerbaijan’s media agenda during the period under review, as the conflict unfolded in close proximity to Azerbaijan’s southern borders and quickly acquired a direct dimension for the country’s national security. The issue was made particularly sensitive by Iran’s role as a neighboring state, the presence of a multi-million Azerbaijani population on its territory, and the religious affinity between large segments of the populations of both countries.

Failure to observe ethical standards on Azerbaijani television, non-ethical behavior on air, shows that create social and psychological tension, and the broadcasting of unlawful advertising are frequently criticized in society and on social media.