“95% want to see A1+ back on the air”
After the closure of A1+ TV Company, playwright Karine Khodikyan disconnected Armenian channels on her TV.
Her future steps will become known on December 16 after the National Commission on Television and Radio (NCTR) publishes the results of a competition for television frequencies. Karine Khodikyan thinks that the Armenian authorities have a chance to correct their mistake on December 16 by returning A1+ to the air.
"We are all waiting for A1+'s return. We all need the impartial information provided by A1+ like oxygen," she said.
In 2002, Ms. Khodikyan was the only member of the NCTR to give A1+ the highest score. However, it did not affect NCTR's decision.
"We are not naïve. We are well aware of all written and unwritten laws of Armenia. We know that all orders and permissions are received from the same address. If they decide to reject A1+ for another time, it will mean that public opinion is ignored in the country," the playwright added.
In reply to A1+'s observation that the "resident" of the aforesaid address has changed [Robert Kocahryan has been replaced by Serzh Sargsyan], Ms. Khodikyan said, "I am not a foreteller to predict future. We shall live and see. If A1+ is denied broadcast on December 16, the address will be specified."
"The fact that the society wants to see A1+ back on the air indicates the number of participants in the expressed support for A1+. Could any other broadcaster gather so many supporters? I am sure that the number of A1+'s supporters will double before December 16.
According to the playwright, today A1 + poses a danger to people who live in the mire.
"They do not want to listen and see where they are. These people are considered to be well off in Armenia. They make 3-5% of the population. To lead a wealthy life in Armenia means to be close to the power feeder. 95% of Armenian population want to see A1 + on the air. We found ourselves in a situation where old people watch "Haylu" and say they want to live in that Armenia."
