A1+, Yerevan, 02 Apr 2009 – April 2 marks seven years since “A1+” was deprived of airtime. Since then, all television networks have “feared” the fate of “A1+” like the Damocles’ sword.
“For the current authorities, the issue of prohibiting Armenian mass media outlets from existing in the market and keeping them dependent on the government is a matter of principle and it is of higher importance than the desire to favor international organizations,” told “A1+” President of the Yerevan Press Club Boris Navasardyan.
He is certain that no pressures, verdicts of the European Court, conclusions of observers or resolutions may change the situation in Armenia until there is a change in attitude. “In other words, the political and public pressures must be so strong to make the authorities realize that they have to change their stance. Unfortunately, we’re not there yet,” he said.
According to Navasardyan, the loss of airtime had a tremendous negative impact on television airtime. “Even the presence of one network that sheds light on the dark corners and shows scenes that are not in the interest of the authorities forces other networks to take a more pro-active stand in disseminating information. But when there is a lack of encouragement, the rest are under government control. That is why we see a decrease in the level of dissemination of information on the political life year after year and networks that that don’t withstand any criticism in terms of quality and variety.”
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