Is the situation disadvantageous to the authorities?
Armenian media are partially free, according to experts of the Committee for the Protection of Freedom of Speech.
The Committee conducted a survey among representatives of more than 50 media outlets to know their opinion on freedom of speech.
The respondents cited legal, economic and political factors which influence freedom of speech, with economic pressure being the most dominant.
The survey shows that the Armenian media are partially free in legal and political spheres and completely non-free in the economic domain.
The survey was conducted in compliance with Freedom House standards. Media are considered to be non-free in countries showing the highest point (61). Armenia is on the borderline with 58,64 points.
Committee President Ashot Melikyan believes the situation is disadvantageous to the authorities and the Law on Television and Radio needs to be amended.
"The fact that the president instructed the ombudsman to set up a working group to amend the law shows that the authorities are concerned over the situation," Melikyan said.
Asked what measures the authorities are taking to improve the situation of freedom of speech, Ashot Melikyan could not answer.
"For example, the authorities can return A1+ to the air," he suggested.
Asked whether the National Commission on Television and Radio will take an impartial decision in connection with A1+, Ashot Melikyan said, "We have always said that the competition should be open and transparent. We are hopeful that this time the NCTR will not arouse public discontent and criticism."
