A1+ will be on the air in any event
On December 16th, the National Commission on Television and Radio of the Republic of Armenia is expected to announce its decision regarding new broadcast licenses. A1+ TV Company is among the contests participating in the broadcast licensing competition.
Ahead of the publication of the completion results we had an interview with President of A1+ Company Mesrop Movsesyan.
My expectations are vague as I cannot understand whether Serzh Sargsyan has chosen the way of monopolization or democratization
Do you want to say that the last word is after Serzh Sargsyan? And what about the National Commission on Television and Radio of the Republic chaired by Grigor Amalyan?
The commission has a formal character. The tradition when one person decided the fate of the whole nation was started by Robert Kocharyan. I cannot say that Kocharyan's endeavours succeeded as people did not agree with him. We witness the same situation today. People do not agree with the decisions of the authorities. Tomorrow we shall see whether Serzh Sargsyan will choose the right way or oppose to public opinion.
The answer will be known at 10 tomorrow.
Don't the recent resignations show that Serzh Sargsyan has taken another course?
I don't know. So many things are imitated in Armenia that I cannot believe that the mayor has been dismissed for "hooliganism". There are so many hooligans and killers in our country. The authorities had better disclose them instead of concentrating on that minor incident. Well, it is their own business. I am interested in another thing. I am waiting for Serzh Sargsyan to prove that he has really chosen another path, different from that of Robert Kocharyan.
Will you participate in the NCTR sitting which will announce the results of the broadcast licensing competition?
Representatives of A1+ Company will participate in the sitting. My presence will give nothing. I have more serious things to do than participate in that farce. Whatever outcome the contest may be, it is a farce, as the national commission should be impartial and independent. It must not execute others' orders.
Will the Board of Trustee of People's TV Foundation participate in the NCTR sitting?
Most likely they will. The Board of Trustees has its own tactics. It involves intellectuals and citizens who struggle for freedom of speech and independence of the press and support A1+. Our team is thankful for them for their help.
But A1 + has always been guided by the principles which are proclaimed by the Board of Trustees. What is the difference?
- The difference is that I solely decided our plans for the coming 1-2 years. Today, the decisions are made by the Board of Trustees. As they say, "Two heads are better than one," especially if they represent different strata of the society.
What do you plan to do after the publication of competition results?
"A1 +" has worked, is working and will work regardless of the NCTR decision. We are participating in the competition to consolidate our patriotism and expand the realm of our activities.
Will the company be able to organize broadcasting with its equipment in the event of victory?
In case of victory we shall be reinforced both technically and financially within 6 months which is envisaged in law. We have presented our future plans in our bid which we think is strong, serious and realistic. And if the Commission fails to change its approach towards A1+ and continues to harp in the same string, it will mean that nothing has changed in Armenia.
Will you continue Internet broadcasts in case of victory?
Surely, we shall. We are going to implement the program submitted to the NCTR on the Internet. Moreover, we are going to launch satellite broadcasting. We shall continue our broadcasts in any event.
