TV programs in foreign languages authorized

Azerbaijan’s broadcasting regulator has authorized the broadcasts of a number of TV programs in foreign languages, the National Television and Radio Council (NTRC) chairman Nushiravan Maharramli said Friday.

The Council had earlier forbidden the broadcasts of feature films and documentaries in languages other than Azeri since January 1. Turkish was not cited as a foreign language as it is understood by the overwhelming majority of citizens.

“At a meeting we had today, a decision was adopted to allow foreign-language broadcasts of separate special editions, intellectual and educational programs teaching foreign languages lasting no longer than 30 minutes and newscasts [with subtitles in Azeri],” Maharramli said.

He added that TV channels must ensure the broadcasts of intellectual programs in the national tongue by the end of 2008.*