Baku: The Audiovisual Council has announced that sign language interpretation will be implemented on only four television channels in Azerbaijan.

According to Azeri-Press News Agency, Article 12.1 of the Law of the Republic of Azerbaijan “On the Rights of Persons with Disabilities” mandates the use of sign language exclusively for nationwide terrestrial TV broadcasters that are publicly funded or hold public broadcaster status. Taleh Guliyev, Head of the Communication Sector of the Audiovisual Council, clarified this in response to an inquiry from APA.

Guliyev specified that the applicable channels include ‘AZTV’, ‘Idman TV’, ‘M?d?niyy?t TV’, all part of the ‘Azerbaijan Television and Radio Broadcasting’ CJSC, and ‘ITV’, part of the Public Television and Radio Broadcasting Company. The amendment primarily targets information programs, particularly news broadcasts aired during prime time-between 19:00 and 23:00 on weekdays, and from 17:00 to 23:00 on weekends and public holidays. The amendment does not extend to other program genres. Guliyev noted that broadcasters would need time to prepare for the implementation and that the Council intends to hold meetings with them to evaluate their readiness. The exact launch date for sign language interpretation will be determined following these discussions.

The Council intends to monitor compliance regularly, although there are no legal sanctions or penalties currently specified. While private broadcasters are not obligated to follow the new requirements, their participation is encouraged. The Council plans to conduct awareness-raising activities to promote involvement. Sign language interpretation will be carried out by qualified individuals, with the recruitment and employment process managed by the television channels themselves, rather than by the Council.