Online Media Coverage of the Artsakh Conflict

From 1 to 31 March, 2019, online media coverage of the Artsakh conflict was in the spotlight of “Media Advocate” initiative. 34 leading news agencies have been monitored. The articles were selected through international analytical programs.

3 categories were selected: News / Analysis / Opinion

In addition, the materials have also been segmented as negative / positive / neutral

The articles that do not reflect the policies and ideas of the authorities are negative, the ones that represent the views of authorities are positive, and finally those articles which express comprehensive opinions or which are official releases are neutral.

During the specified period, 5797 articles were monitored.

The graph (See gr. 1) illustrates the image obtained by combining the results of selected categories and segments. The chart represents the X and Y coordinate axis, where the horizontal coordinate is the segment (positive / negative / neutral), and the vertical one is the category (news / analysis / opinion). During the calculations positive and analytic identifiers were marked with (+), negative and comment (-) signs, neutral and news with (0) number.

The monitoring period coincided with the Pashinyan-Aliyev meeting which was in the spotlight of news outlets. The graph indicates the news agencies supporting Prime Minister, and vice versa. The main reason for the criticism was that the Prime Minister was negotiating about the Artsakh Conflict without a representative of Artsakh, while he stated before that Artsakh should become a negotiating side. Besides, another reason for criticism became the lack of information related to the meeting. In fact, the public had to look for information in Azerbaijani sources. The fact that Azerbaijan positively assessed the statement of the co-chairs was also criticized: according to experts, it meant nothing but a failure in this stage of the negotiations.

P.S. The “Media Advocate” initiative will continue to focus on the events; in particular, any encroachment and biased approach to freedom of expression will be harshly assessed.