Exiled Azerbaijani media outlets Meydan TV and AbzasMedia have won the 2026 Free Media Pioneer Award, a recognition presented by the International Press Institute (IPI) and International Media Support (IMS) to organizations advancing independent journalism and the free flow of information.
The award comes at a time of unprecedented pressure on independent media in Azerbaijan. Despite arrests, prosecutions, and growing restrictions on press freedom, both outlets have continued reporting on corruption, human rights violations, and public affairs, ensuring Azerbaijani audiences continue to have access to independent information.
Their resilience in the face of repression has made them leading voices for press freedom both within and outside the country. Both organizations are part of the Network of Exiled Media Outlets (NEMO), a global, peer-to-peer support and advocacy network for the exiled media ecosystem.
Meydan TV and AbzasMedia were selected alongside the Latin American Center for Investigative Journalism (CLIP) from a pool of 11 nominees from around the world. The award recognizes media organizations that expand access to independent reporting through innovation, resilience, and a commitment to public-interest journalism.
Founded in 2013, Meydan TV has built a reputation for its reporting on corruption, human rights violations, and issues often overlooked by state-controlled media. Following an escalating crackdown on independent journalism in Azerbaijan, the outlet has continued its work in exile, publishing from outside the country while maintaining coverage of developments on the ground.
Meydan TV is also a co-founder and core member of the Network of Exiled Media Outlets (NEMO), helping establish a platform for collaboration, mutual support, and knowledge-sharing among exiled media organizations worldwide.
AbzasMedia, established in 2016, is one of Azerbaijan’s leading investigative journalism outlets. Known for its in-depth reporting on corruption and abuses of power, the organization has faced sustained pressure from authorities, with several journalists and staff members imprisoned since late 2023.
Despite these challenges, AbzasMedia continues its reporting through colleagues working both inside and outside Azerbaijan. The outlet is affiliated with NEMO, where it actively participates in knowledge-sharing initiatives and advocacy efforts.
According to IPI and IMS, 12 people associated with Meydan TV were arrested between December 2024 and August 2025. They are currently being tried on charges including money laundering, tax evasion, and other financial offenses. If convicted, they could face lengthy prison sentences.
In announcing the award, IPI and IMS noted that Meydan TV journalists continue to defend freedom of expression and press freedom from prison cells and courtrooms, while colleagues outside the country carry on the organization’s work. The groups described the outlet as one of the few remaining sources of independent journalism available to Azerbaijani audiences.
Meydan TV Editor-in-Chief Orkhan Mammad described the award as an important source of encouragement, particularly for imprisoned journalists.
“For us, Meydan TV being considered for this award is not only recognition of our professional work, but also a significant source of moral support during an extremely difficult and sensitive period,” he said.
“Especially for our colleagues in prison, this award is a source of hope, joy, and resilience. It recognizes their struggle for freedom of expression, journalism, and truth in Azerbaijan.”
Mammad added that the recognition demonstrates that the work of independent Azerbaijani journalists has not gone unnoticed and that the international community continues to stand in solidarity with those fighting to preserve access to reliable information in the country.
Alongside the Free Media Pioneer Award, IPI and IMS also announced the recipients of the 2026 World Press Freedom Hero Award, which honors individuals and groups making exceptional contributions to independent journalism. This year’s laureates include Philippine journalist Patricia Evangelista, Chilean journalist Monila Gonzalez, and independent journalists in Hungary.
Announcing the awards, IPI Executive Director Scott Griffen said the winners exemplify the resilience of independent journalism at a time of growing pressure on press freedom worldwide.
“At a time when pressure on press freedom is increasing globally, these organizations and journalists have shown courage and determination in confronting rising authoritarianism by exposing corruption and human rights abuses,” he said.
____________________________________________________________________________
This article was written with the assistance of AI. NEMO journalists remain responsible for accuracy, voice, and final edits.