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NTRC chairman: It would be wrong to remove Euronews from the cable network because of this program â€“ INTERVIEW

NTRC chairman: It would be wrong to remove Euronews from the cable network because of this program â€“ <font color=red>INTERVIEW </font>

14 January 2010 16:51 (UTC +04:00)

-You have said several times that TV channels will be opened in most regions by the parliamentary elections. In what regions will the new channels open?

-We are interested in this. It is necessary to open TV channels in most regions by the parliamentary elections. We have done much in this direction. Such channels have opened in main regions, only Central Aran remains. We will try to solve the problem of opening of a TV channel there. But it does not only depend on our wish. It is not easy to open a new channel in the regions. We have already observed it in the activity of other TV channels. Lack of logistics, experts, human resources makes us not to hurry.

-Will a TV channel be opened only in the Central Aran by the parliamentary elections?

-There are television channels in all regions. A new channel has recently opened in Shaki-Zagatala region. A new television channel was launched in Yevlakh. These channels may provide these regions. There are TV channels in other regions, too. There is no such a channel only in Central Aran. Work continues on it.

-Will there be a new republic broadcaster in the country this year?

-This process may happen any time. The National Television and Radio Council has expressed its position several times. We do not intend to increase the number of the TV channels yet. New TV channels are opened in Azerbaijan, when there are conditions for it. We consider that improvement of the advertising market and increase of human resources are important factors. Therefore, we can not hurry in this issue.

-You have said that there is a need to open a cultural channel that will cover the whole Caucasus. When can this channel open?

-Opening of a cultural channel is desirable in any country. But it is realized easily in big states. It is very difficult to open a specialized channel in small states. We want this. But we lack a number of factors to realize this wish.

-Can you discuss it, if the NTRC receives a proposal?

-Watching the republic broadcasters we see that we are not ready to open new channels yet.

-Has the monitoring of the TV channels ended? Have new irregularities been recorded?

-Monitoring is always conducted. If we reveal any irregularity we take necessary measures. No serious irregularities have been recorded recently. Irregularities are connected only with the advertisements. Some irregularities have been recorded. Appropriate steps have been taken.

-The state of usage of the Azerbaijani language on TV channels, show programs has not changed.

-I do not agree to such a radical approach. Azerbaijani is fully used on TV channels. We have achieved it. But there are cases when they speak the language we understand. The majority of the countryâ€™s population knows both Russian and Turkish. When we passed a decision on the usage of the Azerbaijani language, we said that there may be exceptions in the high-level meetings of social, political importance, programs raising awareness.

-When will the next meeting of NTRC be held?

-We are working as usual. NTRC is fulfilling its duties. Our next meeting will be held on January 15. We will consider current issues, hold discussions on January 20 tragedy.

-Has the problem concerning Euronews eliminated? The representatives of the channel were to come to Azerbaijan in January.

-They said they will come on January 17. We have expressed our position concerning Euronews. It would be wrong to pass a decision on removing Euronews from the cable network because of this program. If such programs continue, we can pass a decision.

-According to media reports a new TV channel â€“ Nargiz TV will launch in Azerbaijan. Is the council aware of it?

-The council has not held any discussions concerning this. If there is such an issue we will inform the public.