“NCTR is our stigma”
The authorities manage to act however they please with international organizations and the society by providing and setting limits on broadcasting with the changes that they want," said leader of the NA "Heritage" faction Stepan Safaryan during a conference on "Mass Media in Armenia: Reflections of 2010 and Trends for 2011".
The participants of the conference addressed the digitization of broadcasting, the tender held by the National Commission on Television and Radio, the legislation regulating the sphere and the freedom of speech of the media. Stepan Safaryan underlined that the independence of the body regulating the sphere must be seriously addressed.
"The decisions of the so-called commission were so anticipated that everyone knew that "A1+" will not be back on air before the tender and the change in the law," said the MP.
According to him, the primary objective is to increase the number of cables, ensure the independence of the regulating body and form a new commission.
"If not, nothing will change. There are 18 television stations which we will be watching for the next ten years and that is a catastrophe for me," said Stepan Safaryan. Expert of the "Committee for Freedom of Speech" Mesrop Harutyunyan is certain that this commission on television and radio will not give "A1+" airtime even in the case of a perfect law. "That commission is our stigma, the shame on freedom of speech in Armenia."
According to President of the Yerevan Press Club Boris Navasardyan, the regulatory body and the authorities were very concerned about the issue of "A1+" stated in numerous international documents. "The authorities really wanted to suspend the process to send a clear message to those wishing to support "A1+"."
However, Boris Navasardyan is sure that it is not over yet and that change is possible, but adds that there will be stricter control over presses in 2011, especially online, alternative media. "This means that our colleagues must be more careful and ready for all kinds of difficulties."
