During its November 13 newscast, the Public Television did not touch upon a number of topics, in particular, the decision of MP Vardan Atabekyan to leave the “My Step” fraction and the incident near his house. The deputy noted that more than a dozen people approached his house in 5 cars; the eyewitnesses recognized Hakob Simidyan and Hayk Sargsyan. Atabekyan was not at home, they spoke with his brother, after which they left. Vardan Atabekyan is going to publish the video of the incident that took place on the night of November 12. The Public Television did not refer to the statement of the Human Rights Defender, which considered inadmissible the video shown on the big screen in the Republic Square on November 13; it contained swearing and hatred. According to Arman Tatoyan, it was done by an illegal decision or permission of some public authority or official and provokes internal enmity. Later, the Prime Minister’s spokesperson informed that the screen set in the Republic Square is going to be dismantled. The Yerevan municipality also informed that the video of the soldier following the Prime Minister’s message appeared on the screen by mistake. Public TV did not show the video of the Prime Minister’s wife, Anna Hakobyan, which also had caused a fuss and had been widely criticized.
“Media Advocate” Initiative notes that all these events that are of a public interest have been covered by most media outlets, except for the Armenian Service of the RFE/RL and the publicly-funded Public Television. In fact, the events are presented unilaterally and not in a comprehensive manner. It is obvious that the goal is to appease the big wave of distrust towards the Prime Minister. That is why Public TV thoroughly chooses what to present and what not to. We once again remind that Public TV is obliged to serve the interests of the public, not the authorities.
