Space TV
Space TV is a private Azerbaijani television channel that first graced the airwaves on 12 October 1997, broadcasting nationwide from its headquarters on Hüseyn Cavid Avenue in Baku via the Space Independent Television and Radio Company.
Media assets
Television: Space TV
State Media Matrix Typology
Ownership and governance
The channel remains firmly within the Aliyev family’s sphere, under the ownership of Sevil Aliyeva—daughter of the late President Heydar Aliyev and sister of the incumbent President Ilham Aliyev.
In recent years, the channel has experienced notable leadership changes. In May 2021, Mushfiq Hatamov took the helm as manager. He was succeeded by Vado Karovin in February 2023.
Source of funding and budget
No publicly available figures outline Space TV’s budget. However, interviews with exiled Azerbaijani journalists in March 2024 assert that the channel is generously funded by the government, suggesting a financial backing well beyond what would be sustainable through commercial means alone.
Editorial independence
Space TV has been described as unwaveringly aligned with the government’s narratives, particularly in its support for President Aliyev and state policy. No independent statute or oversight mechanism appears in place to validate its editorial autonomy or lack thereof.
No domestic statute or independent assessment mechanism to validate Space TV’s editorial independence has been identified.
August 2025