Independent journalists isolated under the quarantine conditions

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-A few days left to the National Press Day. Can such holidays be worthily celebrated in a country where there is no freedom of expression?

-145 years is a very important figure, and at the same time depressing, because our press with such a history is now at a very low level. Critics often use such an opinion - “if Zardabi had seen these days  ...,” I also wonder, what would he say? Under such condition, we cannot enjoy the holiday. Therefore, it does not matter how the government celebrates National Press Day. In a country where there is no freedom of expression, all such holidays are celebrated for visibility.

- How would you like to celebrate National Press Day? Under what conditions, under what circumstances?

- Of course, I am proud of the history of our press, but I am ashamed of the current situation. I am ashamed that the matter is not only the pressure from the government; most journalists regard it as an opportunity to earn extra money. I do not accept the word “conditions” in your question. In general, if there is freedom of expression, there should not be conditions. I would like to celebrate Press Day in a country where there are no conditions, where there is freedom and democracy, no arrests, no pressure. I do not believe that I will be able to see this, I am a realist, I am sure that my dream will remain in my heart; but I again think that every journalist will ever have such a desire.

- Are the principles of Zardabi observed in today's press? Are journalism principles generally respected?

- Perhaps this will sound rude, but I still have to say that, in my opinion, the vast majority of media workers do not know the principles of journalism. They have no concept of neutrality. Journalists can very conveniently write slanderous, false  information, violating all standards. Today, the Azerbaijani media is doing everything. There are young people who are naturally normal, they have their own principles and adhere to the principles of journalism. They give hope.

- What problems do independent media, a journalist face today? Are independent media distinguished? Is there discrimination? What difficulties they face in obtaining information? Do independent media have difficulties?

- In Azerbaijan, the number of independent print media can be counted on the fingers. Everyone knows the obstacles posed to their activities. In general, if we pay attention to the concept of independent media, we will see that neither the authorities of Azerbaijan, nor the majority of journalists understand its full meaning. In their opinion, independent media should not be profitable, if there is support, then you are dependent. In fact, it is clear even to beginner youth that media can be financed from advertising, selling news and grant projects from foundations specializing in media. However, others see grants as an opportunity to appropriate funds, when they hear about a project they perceive it as a crime. Today, independent media cannot sell news and receive advertising. Funding opportunities are limited by law. Moreover, there is such an idea that if you take a project in any Fund and organize work in it, then you are working for someone else; but stealing from the budget, writing fakes is considered normal. Independent media face financial difficulties. Another thing is that if you know how to voice criticism freely, if you are primarily guided by professional rules when preparing the material, then you will definitely be taken into account.

We have been in contact with the international world for many years, local journalists travel abroad, the media communicate with each other, but in our country, it is believed that a freelance journalist means unemployed. That is, if you are free and independent, you can be limited in freedom of collecting information. To participate in any press conference you must have a representative office from a media organization. Freelancers are most often affected during quarantine associated with a pandemic; and the registration and identification has become a problem for freelancers.

In short, the lack of freedom of speech and expression is the root of all problems.  In such conditions, any activity also quickly attracts attention.

- Journalists always know about each other. What are the problems of your colleagues working today in pro-government as well as opposition media?

- Today's agenda for pro-government media workers is a building built for journalists. Some are ready to take on all kinds of tasks in order to get an apartment there thinking that he is worthy of it. They expect the government to remember them. The second problem is low salaries. Usually those who work in online media complain about this.

However, we have enough honest colleagues working in pro-government media. That is, they are trying to say as much as they are allowed. We have come to a period when we need to thank for being honest with our work. Critical media in our country is also considered the opposition, like those related to the opposition party. In fact, there is a serious difference between them. Critical media have no preferences, they treat the authorities and the opposition equally, and the party newspaper, the site are oriented towards a specific goal, and have their own interests. In this regard, those who work in these media structures also have problems. The only common problem that unites them is the lack of access to government officials as media.

- What is required so that media and journalists work within the framework of normal, moral standards, professional ethics? What would you suggest?

- Moral norm and professional ethics are such notions that no problem should be the reason for their violation. If you do not adhere to professional ethics, then you are not a professional journalist, regardless of what you write or shoot. This criterion is simple. Therefore, it is important first to study the professional and ethical rules and stay true to them.