"The government tries to suppress independent media and civil society at every opportunity"

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.

In 2025, the Council of Europe published a report on the state of media freedom in Europe titled “On the Tipping Point.” The document, “On the Tipping Point: Press Freedom 2025,” states that last year 344 alerts concerning serious threats to media freedom were recorded across Europe.

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.

Under the bright July sun and against the backdrop of the newly rebuilt hilltop town of Shusha, the government of Azerbaijan opened the third Global Media Forum on Saturday. The event gathered journalists, agency executives, and digital media experts from 52 countries. But the three-day gathering, officially titled “Digital Pathways: Strengthening Information Resilience and Media in the Age of Artificial Intelligence,” quickly evolved into a stage where President Ilham Aliyev articulated a sweeping doctrine: national sovereignty, postwar stability, and Azerbaijan’s growing role as a regional power.