Internews invites advertisers to work with regional television companies

Internews Azerbaijan organized a round table discussion, entitled "Advertising via Regional Stations", on February 19, 2004 at the Hyatt Conference Center in Baku.

Namik Heydarov, Internews' public affairs manager, opened the discussion by talking about the rich advertising potential of regional television.

"Regional television has a big audience", said Namik Heydarov. "We conducted a regional media survey last year and it uncovered some interesting facts. For example, Ganja residents are almost twice as interested in the local news as in the national news coverage provided by national television companies", he added.

Whit Mason, Internews' Country Director in Azerbaijan explained the role of Internews in the development of regional stations and the progress that they have made in the last three years.

"Out of thirteen independent broadcasters currently working in Azerbaijan, nine operate in the regions," said Whit Mason. "The regional journalists are well trained and produce excellent programs. For the last 3 years, Internews has organized more than 100 rigorous professional development seminars in broadcast news production, camera work and editing, specifically for the regional broadcasters." he added.