Armenia: Digital TV Concerns

Following on from already expressed concerns about plans to switch over to digital in 2010, the London-based Article XIX has issued its own statement protesting the move.

ARTICLE 19 is seriously concerned about the recent amendments to the Armenian Law on Television and Radio introducing a moratorium on the granting of broadcasting licences until mid-2010 due to the planned digital switchover which, despite the recent judgment of the European Court of Human Rights (ECtHR) will further prevent the TV station A1+ from returning to air.

These legislative amendments were adopted on 10 September 2008 in an extraordinary session of the Armenian Parliament without any prior consultations with relevant stakeholders. The amendments are largely believed to be directed against A1+, contrary to the ECtHR decision. A1+ is an oppositional TV company, which lost its broadcasting licence in a controversial tender in 2002 and has been unable to regain it in the twelve consequent tenders ever since.

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While fully appreciating the endeavours of the Armenian government to keep abreast with countries in the vanguard of technological progress, ARTICLE 19 asserts that legislative amendments that prevent rather than contribute to restoring the rights of A1+ against the findings of the ECtHR do little to improve the protection of freedom of expression in Armenia. ARTICLE 19 calls on the authorities in Armenia to lift the moratorium on the licensing procedure and to ensure that A1+ participates in an open, transparent and fair tender prior to the planned digital switchover.

A1 Plus Anniversary Protest Rally, Yerevan, Republic of Armenia © Onnik Krikorian / Oneworld Multimedia 2004