ANS TV

ANS TV (Azerbaijani: ANS TV) was the first independent television company in Azerbaijan. Founded in 1991, it played a significant role in the development of independent media in the country.

ANS TV, initially known for its objective and independent journalism, covered a wide range of topics including news, current affairs, entertainment, and cultural programming. It was known for its reporting on the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict and other sensitive issues within Azerbaijan and the region.

Throughout its operation, ANS TV faced periods of controversy and government scrutiny. Its broadcasting license was suspended and eventually revoked in July 2016 by the National Television and Radio Council of Azerbaijan. The official reason given was its alleged support for Fethullah Gülen, the U.S.-based cleric accused of masterminding the 2016 Turkish coup attempt. The closure was widely criticized by international media organizations and human rights groups who viewed it as an infringement on freedom of the press.

The closure of ANS TV marked a significant loss for media pluralism in Azerbaijan. As one of the few independent broadcasters, its absence has reduced the diversity of viewpoints available to the Azerbaijani public.