Expansion of the power of NTRS restricts freedom of media

The power of the National Television and Radio  have been expanded, and at the same time, more stringent sanctions  have been adopted against broadcasters breaking the law. This happened after  on February 24  the parliament amended the law "On Television and Radio Broadcasting" and the Code of Administrative Offences. Thus, according to the amendment to Article 16.11 of the Law "On Broadcasting", if broadcasters cannot pay for the right to broadcast in a time, the NTRS may suspend broadcasting without a court. For violation of the provisions of the license, broadcasting can be suspended for one month. Previously,  court could suspend broadcasting to 7 days for such infringement.

According to the amendments to the Administrative Code Article 187-1 (violation of legislation in the field of television and radio) and 187-2 (violation of the rules and license rules)  the fine for  officials  is 1,500 to 2,500 manat, for legal entities from 5000 to 8000 manat, which is by 2 -3 times greater than previously.

Commenting on these changes, a lawyer in the field of media, Alasgar Mammadov, said that since 2006 the amount of fines are increasing. Previously, NGOs fines were increased to 15,000 manat. Logically, the penalties for broadcasters should be more, because they are the business structures. However, experts believe that the fines are ineffective, just like expansion of the  NTRS power. At a time when TV freedom in Azerbaijan is at a very low level, additional administrative control puts them in an even more difficult position. "There is not political pluralism on television. They are licensed, are dependent on NTRS,  and must renew the license every six years,"said Mamedli.-03B06-