Television is not only for Amalyan
"In civilized countries, the government takes steps to gain public consent for the digitalization of television and radio and facilitates the process through that. In Armenia, the government imposes its decisions on the people," said President of the Committee on Freedom of Speech Ashot Melikyan during a press conference today.
A working group has been created and has prepared a 31-page package of alternative proposals for the digitalization of television and radio. The package proposes new approaches and legislative solutions which will provide the opportunity to update the sphere and implement reforms.
The idea of licensing through a simple procedure lies at the core of the model proposed by the working group. It will give television and radio companies the opportunity to receive licensing with no hassle, after which the companies will choose the form of broadcasting (online, satellite or cable).
According to expert Mesrop Harutyunyan, the problems arise from the existing legislation according to which licensing is the only legal ground that grants the right to broadcasting in Armenia. "With that, the government can prohibit any company without a broadcasting license from broadcasting via satellite," said Harutyunyan.
According to the expert, when the NCTR declares a tender for television companies, the packages presented by the companies must be discussed openly with the public. "This will allow each citizen to have his or her say. After all, television is not only for Grigor Amalyan and the other 10 members of the commission, but the public as well," said Mesrop Harutyunyan.
The working group will start a new stage of public discourse on the proposed model starting next year. The package will be presented to 5 NA factions, the government, international organizations with the hope to receive a lot of feedback.
