In recent days, dissatisfaction regarding vulgar programs on television, social networks, and media has once again come to the fore. Thus, our artists such as Nailə İslamzadə, Murad Arif, and Səidə Sultan have expressed their dissatisfaction by boycotting such programs, citing vulgar jokes and the appearance on air of individuals who do not gain prominence through their art.
Furthermore, a scandal that occurred during a live broadcast on the “TikTok" platform, involving People's Artist Brilliant Dadaşova, singer Səidə Sultan, and TV presenter Tarix Əliyev (Tolik), has further actualized this discussion.
In a statement to Modern.az regarding the topic, Azər Həsrət, a member of the Public Television Broadcasting Council, also expressed serious concern about the level of some programs on air.
“Stepping aside slightly, I would like to emphasize that the highly esteemed television presenter Nailə İslamzadə continues to work successfully at Public Television today. We know her from the program “Families and Fates” on Azerbaijan Television years ago. Despite decades having passed, we still remember the name of that program and its presenter today. Why? Because that program was a high-level, cultured, and decent program that touched people's hearts. This means it is possible to remain in people's memories even with projects of high intellectual level”.
According to him, it is very important for individuals with influence in the television sector to express their views on such matters:
“So that the rising generation can also understand what is right and what is wrong through these positions.
Unfortunately, the number of low-quality programs, especially on commercial channels, is not small. Shouting, scandals, open discussions of family relations, and the display of private life on air have become commonplace. I am not a viewer of these programs. However, since they are widely circulated on social media after broadcast, we encounter fragments of them, even unwillingly. This indicates that the problem is no longer confined to the broadcast space but is also widespread in the public discussion environment.
Such approaches undermine our national and moral values. It is unacceptable for an intimate institution like the family, traditions, and relationships between elders and youngsters to be turned into a cheap sensation on air. This is a clear violation of broadcast ethics, and it is felt not only by experts and specialists but also by ordinary viewers”.
The member of the Broadcasting Council also drew attention to the possibility and importance of preventing such occurrences:
“For this purpose, it would be appropriate to expand the powers of the Audiovisual Council and establish expert councils alongside it. These expert groups should analyze programs and submit their opinions and recommendations regarding ethical violations to the channels. More serious measures should be taken against projects that do not comply with the rules, and broadcasts should be suspended when necessary.
Another issue is the “viewer demand” argument. Some of our colleagues argue that these types of programs are broadcast because they bring ratings. I do not accept this approach. Whatever you present to the viewer, they will eventually get used to it. So why not present more high-quality, more ethical, and intellectual programs? It is possible to accustom the viewer to quality”.
A. Həsrət regretfully stated that these types of scandalous programs gather a high number of views and attract advertising:
“Advertisers primarily prefer a mass audience, relegating the program's quality to the background. However, I believe that advertisers should also bear responsibility in this matter. Self-respecting businesses and companies should not be interested in promoting their products and services through low-quality projects.
At Public Television, this issue is approached with particular sensitivity. It has been repeatedly discussed in the Broadcasting Council that not every advertisement should be aired. Advertising is also part of the broadcast and should conform to the overall quality of the airtime. Television serves the public, and every content presented – be it a program or an advertisement – must be selected within the framework of responsibility.
The airwaves are not an open space for everyone. Since television is a public platform, an ethical framework, professionalism, and respect for national and moral values must be the main principles here”, - he noted.
