Azerbaijan journalists express gratitudes to Azercell Telecom JV

Baku, July 23, 2007

The presentation of the “Media Key” most prestigious journalism award in Azerbaijan took place 10th time on July 20 on the day of National Press at the M.Magomayev State Philarmonic Theatre.

Addressing the ceremony, Arif Aliyev, Chairman of the “Yeni Nesil” Journalists’ Union brifed the attendants about history of the award and the journalism events happened in Azerbaijan in last 10 years. “Creating new positive traditions in journalism is very important. As a tradition, the Media Acari award is presented 10th time. The biggest support for the award presentation comes from Azercell, our sponsor”, he underlined the sponsor’s support for the ceremony. Arif Aliyev said that Azercell Telecom JV has always been supporting media and being loyal to its tradition and company was a sponsor of the Media Acari award presentation ceremony for a long time. He extended his gratitudes to the leadership of the company.

Aflatun Amashov, Chairman of the Press Council hailed the continuously support for journalists by Azercell Telecom JV and said that it is a friend’s help rather than sponsorship. “Azercell has always been with journalists, and organized a lot of trainings for improvement of their professional skills. The company sponsored the journalists visits to foreign countries”, - said Amashov.

On behalf of the Azerbaijani journalists, Amashov presented to the representative of Azercell Telecom JV a special board bearing gratitude expressions for the company’s General Manager A. Halim Ates.

“The Media in Azerbaijan is spending one of its hardest and honest times at present. Formation of new type of media and necessity of solution of the problems of Media requires a sensitive public opinion and friends’ support. It’s very pleasant to say that Azercell Telecom JV, the company lead by Yourself actively supports Azerbaijan Media. The company has chosen the establishment of close relations with Mass Media and solving their problems as one of its basic principles. The Press Council of Azerbaijan thanks You on behalf of a lot of journalists of Azerbaijan, and wish a success in Your works and benevolent activities” – the writing on the board reads out.

The ceremony continued with the 10th presentation of the Media Acari award. The winners of three places on five nominations were announced and the first place winners were awarded 300 AZN, while the second place winners got 200 AZN. The third place winners were awarded with 100 AZN. The journalists were presented not only diploma and money prize, but also the special gift packages from Azercell. The ceremony sponsored by Azercell Telecom JV was closed through a special reception.

Supporting the journalists’ professional improvement, Azercell organizes different trainings for this purpose. Two most important and useful trainings were held by the company in last two months. Writing Business News Training with Reuters Foundation in June and and lecture on Business Journalism by Deborah Potter, the influential media expert of the US in July was organized by Azercell. Bizi Birləşdirən Dəyər article contest for journalists announced by Azercell is going on. Azercell Telecom provided a lot of projects of support to development of Media during the years of its activity. The company will continue playing active role in media development and supporting qualitative journalism in Azerbaijan.