Azerbaijan warns MTV channel over on-air comments about divorce

Azerbaijan’s Audiovisual Council has issued a strict warning to television channel MTV over violations committed during a broadcast, the regulator said.

The violation was recorded during the “Xoş sabah” programme aired on Nov. 28, 2025, in which family relations were discussed. One participant said rising women’s rights had led to an increase in divorces and described this as a sign of social development, adding that divorce was not a negative phenomenon. Another participant described divorce as “immoral”.

The council said the programme host failed to intervene or provide an editorial assessment of the statements.

Monitoring specialists said both the remarks and the lack of editorial response constituted a breach of the law. The regulator stressed that while discussion of divorce is permissible, presenting it as a sign of societal development or equating it with immorality is unacceptable.

The council recalled that under Azerbaijan’s constitution the family is regarded as the basic unit of society and is protected by the state, while the family code recognises the right to divorce but prioritises the preservation of the family.

As a result, MTV was issued a strict warning for violating the laws on media and on the protection of children from harmful information. The regulator urged broadcasters to exercise greater responsibility when covering sensitive social issues, including family, marriage and children.