Azerbaijan National Council for Television and Radio has passed a decision to shut down ANS TV and ANS CM Radio, Council chairman Nushiravan Maharramli told APA in an exclusive interview. He said that a meeting was convened today in order to decide the ANS’s licence prolongation. The Council members made the final decision to not prolong ANS’s licence, saying it violated Article 22.4 of the Broadcasting Law (many warnings and sanctions during activities).
According to the decision, ANS TV and ANS Radio were due to be closed at 1500 local time today. Maharramli insisted that if ANS ignores the decision made by the Council, the decision will be executed by law enforcement bodies. He also added the frequency of ANS will be put in auction.
ANS President Advisor Mais Mammadov told APA that they have not yet received the written form of the decision. He said that they have been told that ANS made serious irregularities and shortcomings in its activities. Mammadov said they will appeal against the decision.
(Source: Azeri-Press Information Agency - APA/R Netherlands Media Network Weblog)