History

The tendency towards pluralism, freedom of expression, and moral enlightenment showed the lack of Public TV in Azerbaijan. Democratization of our society and its integration into Europe has brought the foundation of Public TV to the middle of public discussions. Thus the establishment of Public TV became a social need and one of the conditions of the European Council.
The Law on PublicTelevision and Radio Broadcasting was adopted on September 11, 2004 based on the principles of transparency, impartiality and the principle of public interest. The law is founded on impartial, independent, fair information broadcasting, pluralism and tolerance, colorfulness and uniqueness.
While functioning, Public TV must not lose its quality because of the success. It must publicize national and religious tolerance, respect to ethnic cultures of national minorities and be the creator of informational society.
In order to provide society with fair and impartial information and express the interests of different social groups, Azerbaijan Trade Union Confederation, National Academy of Sciences, Press Council, Youth Organizations, Woman Societies, Sport Federations, Religious Confessions and Creative Organizations each nominated two candidates in accordance withThe Law on Television and Radio Broadcasting Company”.

The Parliament formed the ) BC (Broadcast Council) in March, 2005. Being the representatives of different organizations, the members express common interests of our society. Jahangir Mammadli was elected the head of BC. It was then time to elect the Director General who should have at least 5 years’ experience in TV and administration, must be aware of information technology and the national values of Azerbaijan. On April 16, 2005, Ismail Omerov was elected Director General by6 votes of the BC members.
After the election of the Director General, the recruitment of Public TV staff started. Since then they have carried out unprecedented work over the 2-3 months. For the first time in the history of Azerbaijan, television staff was selected by means of competition, and professional, innovative, neutral, independent journalists were accepted. At the same time, the building has been reconstructed and technically equipped.
Opening ceremony of the Public Television and Radio Broadcasting Company took place on August 29, where the president of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev, ministers, heads of the committees, state representatives, heads of the diplomatic corps, representatives of socio-political organizations and other dignitaries participated.
In the opening ceremony which was broadcast on Public

TV lively, Ismayil Omerov, Director General made a speech. He congratulated Azerbaijan nation with the start of Public TV.
In his speech Ilham Aliyev noted that Public TV would make a special place for itself in the sphere of Azerbaijan television and would gain a large audience.
Finally, President Ilham Aliyev, symbolicly opened the Public TV Faciliteis and Public TV entered the sphere of Azerbaijan broadcasting.