Since its inception in 2000, ATV, a privately owned channel, has risen to prominence and is now considered the most popular channel in Azerbaijan.
Media assets
Television: ATV, ATV+, ATV Vivace, ATV Cinema
Radio: 106 FM, 106.3 FM
State Media Matrix Typology: Captured Private (CaPr)
Ownership and governance
The channel’s ownership has been under the family of President Ilham Aliyev through Nazim Ibrahimov’s involvement. Ibrahimov, a strong supporter of the president, has held various government positions over the years. However, it is currently unclear whether he retains ownership of the station. Journalists with expertise in Azerbaijan affairs interviewed for this report in March 2024 suggest that the Aliyev family indirectly controls the channel.
Source of funding and budget
Public information regarding ATV’s budget is not readily available. However, Azeri journalists based abroad interviewed for this report in March 2024 suggest that the channel receives significant government funding.
Editorial independence
ATV, a station widely recognized for its alignment with the Azeri government, has been particularly supportive of President Aliyev, according to journalists who cover Azerbaijan interviewed for this report in March 2024. An ad hoc content analysis conducted for this project in May 2023 revealed a distinct bias in favor of the nation’s president.
No domestic statute or independent assessment or oversight mechanism to validate ATV’s editorial independence has been identified.
August 2024