Helsinki Commission expresses concern over impending termination of foreign radio broadcasts in Azerbaijan

U.S. Helsinki Commission expressed concern over the impending termination of the foreign radio broadcasts on local frequencies. APA reports quoting the commission’s website that Congressman Alcee L. Hastings (D-FL) and Senator Benjamin L. Cardin (D-MD), Co-Chairmen of the Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe (U.S. Helsinki Commission) sent a letter to Azerbaijan’s President Ilham Aliyev.

"It is our understanding that far fewer Azerbaijanis have access to internet and satellite than to FM radio. If radio broadcasts cease on FM, millions of Azerbaijanis will no longer be able to receive these programs. We strongly believe that would be a great loss for them. Instead of closing down FM broadcasts of foreign radios, we would like to see Azerbaijan developing a more diverse, pluralistic media environment. We hope that you will find a way for these broadcasts to continue on local frequencies, as they have done for many years," the letter says.

/APA/