Real TV
Real TV is a 24-hour all-news channel that entered the Azerbaijani media landscape in 2018. Since its inception, it has sought to position itself as a fast-paced broadcaster delivering breaking news and current affairs programming, though its editorial posture has been consistently aligned with pro-government narratives.
Media assets
Television: Real TV
State Media Matrix Typology
Ownership and governance
Reliable public information on Real TV’s ownership structure remains scarce. While the channel presents itself as a privately held entity, numerous Azerbaijani journalists and media experts interviewed for this report in March 2024 indicated that it is widely believed to be under the indirect control of the family of President Ilham Aliyev.
The station is largely staffed and managed by a cohort of journalists formerly employed by ANS TV, a channel with a strong pro-government reputation that was forcibly shut down by the authorities in 2016. ANS’s closure followed mounting pressure from Ankara after the broadcaster announced plans to air an interview with Fethullah Gulen, the exiled cleric accused by the Turkish government of masterminding the failed coup attempt in July 2016.
As of mid-2025, Real TV continues to operate under opaque governance structures, with no disclosures on shareholding or management made available to the public. Independent watchdogs note that the lack of transparency reinforces concerns about political influence over its editorial line.
The founding figure and long-standing head of Real TV is Mirshahin Aghayev, who officially serves as the General Director (CEO) of the channel. He is a veteran Azerbaijani journalist, initially known for his leadership at ANS TV, and has maintained control of Real TV since its launch in March 2018
Source of funding and budget
There is no verifiable public data on Real TV’s financing or annual budget. While some critics speculate that the channel enjoys preferential treatment and hidden subsidies from the Azerbaijani state, this claim cannot be substantiated with documentary evidence. Unlike public service broadcasters such as ITV, Real TV does not publish annual reports.
Editorial independence
In practice, Real TV functions as a staunch supporter of President Aliyev’s administration, amplifying government priorities and policies while avoiding critical coverage of state institutions. Local media analysts interviewed for this report consistently highlight its editorial loyalty to the ruling establishment, describing it as a mouthpiece for official narratives.
There is no domestic statute or external independent mechanism that could serve to validate or safeguard the channel’s editorial autonomy. Consequently, its credibility as an impartial news source is often questioned by both international observers and segments of the Azerbaijani public.
August 2025