Baku: An event titled ‘150 Years of Azerbaijani Media: A Bridge Between Business and Journalism’ was held in Baku, organized by the German-Azerbaijani Chamber of Commerce (AHK Azerbaijan), APA reports. Sanubar Nazarova, Deputy Chairperson of the Public Relations and Communications Committee of AHK Azerbaijan, inaugurated the event.

According to Azeri-Press News Agency, the event highlighted the development of Azerbaijani media, examining local media infrastructure and international communication opportunities. The program included two panel sessions with participants from government entities, media organizations, and business representatives.

Vusala Mahirgizi, Director General of APA Media Group, served as an honorary guest and speaker, discussing the historical progression of Azerbaijani media and the principles of reliable news production. She emphasized that Azerbaijani journalism is currently in its strongest phase of development.

Mahirgizi attributed this growth to the enlightenment movement and press traditions initiated in 1875. She credited figures like Hasan bey Zardabi and Jalil Mammadguluzadeh for laying a foundation that evolved through the Republic period, the Soviet era, and into the current independent media system.

She noted the significant infrastructural development and centralization within Azerbaijani media over the past 15 years. The independence from foreign media for information dissemination was highlighted as a crucial step in strengthening national information security.

Mahirgizi underscored the importance of balancing speed and reliability in news delivery, advocating for multi-source verification and ethical journalism practices. She also elaborated on the efforts to build human capital in the media sector, mentioning the APA Journalism School’s role in providing practical training.

She stressed the need for modern journalism to adapt to digital age requirements, highlighting the role of mobile reporting. Mahirgizi concluded by acknowledging the state’s support for national media, which enhances Azerbaijan’s international information presence.

Finally, she asserted that while journalism may not always be fully appreciated, Azerbaijani journalism has developed into a system that is reliable, efficient, and protective of national interests.