Nakhchivan TV
Nakhchivan TV is a state-owned Azerbaijani regional television channel serving the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic.
Last updated August 31, 2026
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Overview
Nakhchivan TV, also known as Nakhchivan Television or NTV, is an Azerbaijani regional terrestrial television channel based in Nakhchivan City and serving the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic. It is owned and operated within the region's state broadcasting structure and provides television programming focused on local news, public affairs, culture, education, and events in Nakhchivan, while also carrying broader Azerbaijani and international-oriented content. The channel is notable as the first regional television broadcaster established in Azerbaijan: it began broadcasting on 12 March 1963, when Nakhchivan was part of the Soviet Union, with a short news bulletin. A state television and radio broadcasting committee for the Nakhichevan MSSR was subsequently established on 14 August 1963. In its early years, the station operated with limited equipment and a very small editorial organization, and its terrestrial signal initially reached only the city of Nakhchivan. Coverage expanded after infrastructure improvements and the establishment of more than ten relay substations across the autonomous republic. These changes enabled the channel to reach most populated areas of Nakhchivan. In 2003, Nakhchivan TV was separated from Azerbaijan's national AzTV structure, reinforcing its regional institutional identity. The channel later underwent a major technical modernization. It began high-definition broadcasting in 2015 and completed its transition to digital terrestrial television after analog television transmissions ended in Nakhchivan in February of that year. On 17 October 2016, it launched an official website and began simulcasting its programming online, making its broadcasts accessible outside the autonomous republic. In January 2017, parts of its programming also became available through selected Turkish websites. The channel broadened its language offer by introducing English-language newscasts on 28 November 2017 and Russian-language news on 7 August 2018. A major organizational change followed a decree signed on 17 March 2021 by Vasif Talibov, then chairman of the Supreme Assembly of the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic. The decree established the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic Television and Radio Broadcasting Closed Joint Stock Company, which took effect on 1 April 2021 and incorporated Nakhchivan TV into the new entity alongside the region's broadcasting operations. In February 2023, the channel temporarily stopped local digital terrestrial transmission while renovation and technical update work was carried out. Online broadcasting continued during the interruption, and terrestrial transmission resumed on 22 February on UHF channel 36, while use of UHF channel 41 was suspended. In August 2024, Nakhchivan TV and its sister station Nakhchivan Radio were included in the list of state-owned entities authorized to conduct audiovisual terrestrial broadcasting. A satellite broadcasting license was granted later that month. The station remains primarily a regional public-information broadcaster, combining terrestrial distribution in Nakhchivan with internet-based access for audiences elsewhere. Its institutional role is closely connected to the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic's state media system, and its programming and branding have occasionally attracted public controversy, including a dispute in 2024 over interpretations of a redesigned logo.
History
Nakhchivan TV began broadcasting on 12 March 1963 in the Nakhichevan Autonomous Soviet Socialist Republic, then part of the Soviet Union. Its first output was a short news bulletin. A regional state television and radio broadcasting committee was formed on 14 August 1963, creating a formal institutional framework for the service. Early broadcasting conditions were difficult: equipment was limited, staffing was minimal, and the channel initially served only the city of Nakhchivan. During the following years, the broadcaster gradually developed its production and transmission capabilities. By 1969, its terrestrial service was still centered on the city, reflecting the geographic and technical constraints of regional television at the time. The station's reach expanded substantially after Azerbaijan's independence. Following Heydar Aliyev's election as president of Azerbaijan in 1993, Nakhchivan TV underwent extensive modernization. Facilities were upgraded and more than ten relay substations were established across the autonomous republic, allowing the channel to reach most regions of Nakhchivan. In 2003, it was separated from AzTV, Azerbaijan's national television broadcaster, and became more clearly defined as a distinct regional channel. A further modernization phase began in the 2010s. Nakhchivan TV started broadcasting in high definition in 2015 and completed its transition to digital terrestrial television after analog transmissions ended in Nakhchivan in February of that year. On 17 October 2016, the station launched its website and began offering a worldwide internet simulcast. This gave viewers outside the autonomous republic access to the channel's programming and supplemented its terrestrial network. In January 2017, the channel also became available through selected Turkish websites. International accessibility was reinforced by the introduction of English-language newscasts on 28 November 2017 and Russian-language newscasts on 7 August 2018. The broadcaster's institutional structure changed in 2021. On 17 March, Vasif Talibov, chairman of the Supreme Assembly of the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic, signed a decree establishing the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic Television and Radio Broadcasting Closed Joint Stock Company. The decree took effect on 1 April, and Nakhchivan TV became part of the new company. The structure also encompassed the region's radio broadcasting operations, including Nakhchivan Radio. In February 2023, Nakhchivan TV temporarily left local digital terrestrial transmission while renovation and technical updates were performed. Its online broadcasts remained available during the interruption. The station resumed terrestrial service on 22 February using UHF channel 36, while transmissions on UHF channel 41 were suspended. In August 2024, Nakhchivan TV and Nakhchivan Radio were included in the list of state-owned entities carrying out audiovisual terrestrial broadcasting under a decree signed by Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev. A satellite broadcasting license was granted on 23 August, potentially broadening the channel's formal distribution options. The station has also experienced a branding controversy. In October 2024, reports claimed that the lowercase n in its logo resembled an Armenian letter and conveyed a phrase interpreted as meaning 'We will return.' The station's authorities denied the interpretation, described the comparison as absurd and prejudiced, and stated that the logo had been developed according to the broadcaster's own capabilities. Nakhchivan TV continues to operate as a state-linked regional broadcaster, combining local terrestrial service with internet distribution and multilingual news output.
- 2024
State broadcasting listing and satellite license
[1]The station was listed among state-owned audiovisual terrestrial broadcasters and subsequently received a satellite broadcasting license.
- 2023
Terrestrial transmission resumes after upgrades
[1]Following a short local outage for renovations and technical updates, the channel resumed digital terrestrial broadcasting on UHF channel 36.
- 2021
Joined new regional broadcasting company
[1]The Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic Television and Radio Broadcasting Closed Joint Stock Company was established and incorporated Nakhchivan TV from 1 April.
- 2018
Russian-language news begins
[1]Russian-language news programming was added to the schedule.
- 2017
English-language news begins
[1]The station introduced English-language newscasts.
- 2016
Website and global online simulcast launched
[1]Nakhchivan TV launched its website and began streaming its broadcasts worldwide.
- 2015
HD and digital terrestrial transition
[1]The channel launched high-definition broadcasting and completed its transition to digital terrestrial television.
- 2003
Separated from AzTV
[1]Nakhchivan TV was separated from Azerbaijan's national AzTV structure.
- 1993
Infrastructure modernization begins
[1]The broadcaster underwent major facility upgrades and expanded its relay network across the autonomous republic.
- 1969
Initial city-limited broadcasting period
[1]The channel's terrestrial service remained limited to Nakhchivan City during its early development.
Products and positioning
A state-owned regional broadcaster focused on the news, public affairs, culture, and civic life of the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic, with expanded reach through digital terrestrial, online, and licensed satellite distribution.
Terrestrial television · 1963
Regional television service
Nakhchivan TV's core service is a regional television channel serving the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic. Its programming is centered on local news, public affairs, cultural subjects, education, official activities, and events relevant to the region. The service has evolved from an analog, city-focused station into a digital broadcaster with broader regional coverage.
Internet broadcasting · 2016
Online simulcast
Since October 2016, the channel has made its programming available through a worldwide internet simulcast linked to its official website. The online service complements terrestrial transmission and allows audiences outside Nakhchivan to follow the station's output.
News programming · 2017
English-language newscasts
Nakhchivan TV introduced English-language news bulletins in November 2017. The service expanded the station's linguistic reach and supported its online-oriented presentation to viewers beyond its primarily Azerbaijani-speaking regional audience.
News programming · 2018
Russian-language newscasts
Russian-language news programming was added in August 2018, giving the station another language option for regional and international audiences familiar with Russian-language media.
Digital television distribution · 2015
Digital terrestrial service
The broadcaster completed its transition from analog to digital terrestrial television in 2015. After technical work in February 2023, local terrestrial transmissions resumed on UHF channel 36, while use of UHF channel 41 was suspended.
Satellite television distribution · 2024
Satellite broadcasting service
A satellite broadcasting license was granted to Nakhchivan TV in August 2024, adding a formally licensed distribution option to its terrestrial and internet presence.
Controversies
2024
Logo interpretation controversy
In October 2024, reports claimed that the lowercase n in Nakhchivan TV's logo resembled an Armenian letter and conveyed a phrase interpreted as 'We will return.' Station authorities rejected the interpretation, calling the comparison absurd and prejudiced and stating that the logo reflected the broadcaster's own design capabilities.
Brand decisions
2024
Expansion of recognized distribution frameworkStrategyBackground
Nakhchivan TV and Nakhchivan Radio were formally included among state-owned entities conducting audiovisual terrestrial broadcasting.
Action taken
The station was included in the relevant state broadcasting list and later received a satellite broadcasting license.
Aftermath
The broadcaster gained an additional licensed distribution pathway alongside terrestrial and online broadcasting.
2023
Technical renovation and terrestrial frequency changeOtherBackground
Local digital terrestrial broadcasting was temporarily interrupted for renovation and technical updates.
Action taken
The station maintained online broadcasts during the interruption and resumed terrestrial service on UHF channel 36, with UHF channel 41 suspended.
Aftermath
Local terrestrial broadcasting resumed after a short interruption.
2021
Creation of consolidated regional broadcasting companyStrategyBackground
The Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic reorganized its television and radio broadcasting structure.
Action taken
A closed joint stock company was established, and Nakhchivan TV became part of it from 1 April.
Aftermath
The channel became part of a consolidated regional television and radio organization.
2016
Launch of worldwide online simulcastStrategyBackground
The broadcaster sought to extend access beyond its regional terrestrial footprint.
Action taken
It launched an official website and began simulcasting its television output online worldwide.
Aftermath
Nakhchivan TV gained an internet distribution channel for viewers outside the autonomous republic.
2015
Move to high-definition and digital terrestrial broadcastingGeneration changeBackground
The station was modernizing its technical infrastructure as analog television was being discontinued in Nakhchivan.
Action taken
Nakhchivan TV introduced high-definition broadcasting and completed its transition to digital terrestrial transmission.
Aftermath
The change improved technical quality and aligned the station with the region's digital terrestrial television system.
Recent events
- 2024
Nakhchivan TV receives expanded state broadcasting recognition and satellite license[1]
Regulation
Nakhchivan TV and Nakhchivan Radio were listed among state-owned entities conducting audiovisual terrestrial broadcasting, followed by the granting of a satellite broadcasting license.
- 2023
Nakhchivan TV temporarily suspends local terrestrial transmission for technical work[1]
Other · Product generation
The channel went off local digital terrestrial television during renovations and technical upgrades. Online broadcasts continued, and terrestrial service resumed two days later on UHF channel 36.
- 2021
Nakhchivan TV incorporated into regional broadcasting joint-stock company[1]
M&A
A decree created the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic Television and Radio Broadcasting Closed Joint Stock Company, which became the institutional home for Nakhchivan TV from 1 April.
- 2018
Russian-language news service introduced[1]
Product launch
Nakhchivan TV added Russian-language news programming to its schedule.
- 2017
English-language newscasts introduced[1]
Product launch
The station began broadcasting news in English, broadening its language offering and potential international reach.
- 2016
Nakhchivan TV launches website and worldwide online simulcast[1]
Product launch
Nakhchivan TV launched its website and began carrying a live online simulcast, extending access beyond its regional terrestrial footprint.
- 2015
Nakhchivan TV begins high-definition and digital terrestrial broadcasting[1]
Product generation · Other
The channel introduced high-definition broadcasting and completed its move to digital terrestrial transmission following the end of analog television service in Nakhchivan.
Sources2 sources
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