150 years ago, the Azerbaijani people succeeded in creating a democratic newspaper in the Muslim East. The Azerbaijani national press, which began its activity with “Əkinçi” on July 22, 1875, has played a crucial role in the formation of our nation's national consciousness and the preservation of our national-spiritual values.
During the period of independence, Azerbaijani media entered a new stage of development. The initiative put forward by national leader Heydar Aliyev to abolish censorship gave impetus to the free press. Azerbaijani journalism further developed and began to play a very positive role in society. Our national press has further increased its prestige and professionalism over these years. Azerbaijan's position on the information front is strengthening year by year.
During the 44-day Patriotic War, Azerbaijani media demonstrated its resolve from a completely different perspective. New obligations were also defined for the media, and Azerbaijani media maintained its superiority in the information war. Enemy provocations were thwarted with high professionalism. In the 44-day Patriotic War, Azerbaijan also demonstrated special activity on the information front. The Armenian side continued its disinformation policy. Nevertheless, the world received the most prompt and accurate information about the events in Karabakh from Azerbaijan, and the true reality was declared to the world. In this sense, we must particularly note the role of the media in our Great Victory. Today, the factor of power in the world is also characterized by the superiority gained in the information struggle. In this sense, although the war on the battlefield has ended, the struggle on the information front has not, and it appears it will continue.
Today, in the era of artificial intelligence, and in an era where cybersecurity and digital attacks are among the most dangerous trends, new obligations also stand before the press. With the development of technology, information dissemination has become riskier. For this reason, increasing media literacy has become a necessity. Effective methods of combating existing challenges are being tested.
It is no coincidence that the 3rd Shusha Global Media Forum, held recently in Khankendi, also brought to the agenda the role and priorities of media against the backdrop of modern realities. One of the main tasks facing Azerbaijani media today is to uphold principledness, to prioritize state interests in a situation where campaigns based on fake and false information are gaining global momentum, and to ensure our citizens' right to receive full and accurate information. Unfortunately, in some cases, we witness attempts by biased circles to influence the media and use it against the state and society. National traitors and elements who disregard national interests and become tools of biased circles naturally have no place in the Azerbaijani press. Azerbaijan's national press has always emerged honorably from trials. National interests have always been a priority for the Azerbaijani press.
As President Ilham Aliyev also stated, “we pursue a unified policy. The state and media defend national interests. There can be no dissenting opinions on nationwide issues.”
Member of Parliament
Konul Nurullayeva