APA, Baku, 31 Jul 2008 – “The Press Council has presented the list for offering lump-sum financial assistance to some media outlets. Daily newspapers and information agencies are mainly mentioned in the list. The Press Council has sent the list of all daily newspapers and information agencies without any discrimination,” chief of socio-political department of President’s Executive Office Ali Hasanov told APA while commenting on the executive orders signed by President Ilham Aliyev on offering financial assistance to a group of media outlets and asserting conception on state support for mass media. The department chief said that Press Council determined the principles of choosing media outlets while offering assistance. Noting recent dynamic development in Azerbaijan Ali Hasanov said all spheres in the country comply with the world standards.
“But unfortunately our written media lagged behind. The main reason was that media could not become independent, material-technical basis, financial position of newspapers was too weak. As a result of it, the newspapers could not create conditions for qualification of journalists, their social protection and independent editorial offices. Azerbaijan is entering the world information space and there are some requirements for transition to the information society. The material-technical basis of the newspapers should be reinforced, their technical position should be updated. Other improvements necessary for the development of free media should be made. It was very difficult for the newspapers to comply with them separately and in accordance with today’s market economy. Taking into account all this and the importance of ensuring the information security of a person, society and state in the present state of media Azerbaijani President signed the conception on state support for media. The main aim of the conception is to improve media, freedom of expression and media, support the independence of mass media, improve mechanisms of assistance to the editorial offices, take measures for journalists’ professionalism and improve social position of journalists. The conception covers these issues. We think that by organizational, technical, financial and methodological assistances we will achieve this goal. The conception was worked out for a long time. This was initiated by Mr. President. It was worked out along with media community. Within two-three months measures should be taken to establish Fund of Support for Media Development envisaged by the executive order on the implementation of the conception. The President’s Executive Office is to prepare proposals along with the Press Council, media community and editors and submit them to the president. We think that the conception will play a serious fundamental role in the development of mass media in Azerbaijan,” he said.
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