Media Advocate: Intolerance against freedom of speech has increased

On January 28, to Yerkir.am journalist Liana Sargsyan’s question addressed to the PM in Yerablur, whether Pashinyan is announcing from the high tribune that Shushi is Azerbaijani city, Pashinyan answered: “Wait a minute, write that very quote of mine on a piece of paper, and bring that quote to me so as to prove I…

The agenda of the government remained incomprehensible: Hayk Konjoryan’s remarks surprised Petros Ghazaryan

On January 21, Petros Ghazaryan’s guest on Public TV was Hayk Konjoryan, a member of the “My Step” fraction. The topic of the discussion was internal political developments, the government’s agenda. The pro-government deputy accused the opposition: “Some groups in Armenia serve the interests of the opposing state through their activities, as one of the…

RA National Assembly restricts entry of media outlets and journalists to NA

Recently, an incident occurred between Yerevan.today news agency journalist Syuzy Badoyan and the RA NA Deputy Hayk Sargsyan. The latter pulled Suzy Badoyan’s hand first, then, took the journalist’s microphone away and closed in his office.After that incident, “Media Advocate” initiative urged the RA NA “My Step” fraction to reconsider the behavior of its deputies…

Authorities are reluctant to comment on issues of public interest

During the meeting with the journalists, the deputies of the NA “My Step” fraction left the hall after the journalist’s question, bringing up an excuse that the time was over. The journalist asked whether after the Prime Minister’s statement, according to which 90% of Azerbaijanis lived in Shushi, the deputies also think that Shushi is…

Public TV’s News Service bypasses the problematic topics

The news service of the Public Television did not present the two statements of the Human Rights Defender during its main newscast of January 20. Arman Tatoyan noted that the approach of the Armenian government, according to which the number of Armenian prisoners held in Azerbaijan is not published, is unacceptable, as the issue is…

The commentator of the Public TV makes a claim during its newscast preview

The newscast of the Public TV referred to the statement of the former Ambassador of the Republic of Armenia Mikayel Minasyan in relation to the statement on NA Speaker Ararat Mirzoyan, according to which the latter was an agent of special services. During the newscast preview the news commentator noted: “This week’s assignment of the…

The doctor declared that he is the oldest opposition figure and supported the government

On January 16, Petros Ghazaryan’s guest on Public TV was Dr. Vahan Vardapetyan. The topic of the discussion was Post-war Armenia. The comments of the guest were contradictory, they surprised the commentator. Vahan Vardapetyan noted that he is the oldest opposition figure and still holds that title with honor. Petros Ghazaryan asked: “But now you…

ATV has improved its position, becoming a country-wide TV unlike the Armenian Second TV Channel which is no longer a country-wide TV. FreeNews will be broadcast in the capital

The Television and Radio Commission (TRC) distributed the points of the TV companies that applied for the country-wide and capital-wide broadcasting slots by secret ballot. The final results of the competition will be summed up in three days. The members of the Television and Radio Commission decide by a rating vote which TV stations will…

Petros Ghazaryan did not ask the most important question

On January 13, Petros Ghazaryan’s guest on Public TV was Argishti Kyaramyan, Deputy Chairman of the Investigative Committee. The latter was the head of the NSS during the war. Petros Ghazaryan referred to a number of accusations against him, but did not ask the most important question: why did he resign from the post of…

The front line needs a country with a strong economy. All the sectors should work, including the media։ Karen Hambardzumyan, Director of “MEDIA GROUP” advertising agency

Interview of “Media Advocate” initiative with Karen Hambardzumyan, director of “MEDIA GROUP” advertising agency. In general, savings in the economy first of all affect advertising and marketing costs. The economic downturn in Armenia has dealt a major blow to the advertising market, which in turn has affected the financial independence of the media. Many Armenian…

The ruling power is intolerant to journalists and media

The indecent behavior of the NA deputy Hayk Sargsyan towards the journalist was not assessed by the head of the NA “My Step” fraction Lilit Makunts. “Media Advocate” initiative states that the ruling party is showing a deliberate intolerance towards journalists, obstructing their work. We will apply to international human rights and partner organizations regarding…

Incident between MP Hayk Sargsyan and journalist Syuzy Badoyan

Today an incident occurred between NA deputy Hayk Sargsyan and journalist Syuzy Badoyan. The NA deputy rudely behaved towards the journalist, insulting both the journalist’s personality and her professional work. Syuzy Badoyan told “Media Advocate” that she was not going to conduct an interview with Hayk Sargsyan. Furthermore, Hayk Sargsyan himself approached the journalist, took…

Public TV did not refer to the protest action ahead of the Prime Minister’s visit to Moscow

During its main newscast the Public TV did not refer to the petition conducted against Nikol Pashinyan near the Armenian Embassy in Russia. People were protesting against Pashinyan’s policy. The media did not refer to the action of the opposition representatives ahead of the Pashinyan-Putin-Aliyev meeting. It started at 8 am yesterday, the roads leading…

“Media Advocate” urges not to mislead the public and the media

A few days ago, RA Prime Minister’s spokesperson Mane Gevorgyan posted a Facebook post regarding Nikol Pashinyan’s visit to Moscow. In the initial version of the post it was mentioned that the issues of cargo transportation from the central parts of Armenia to Syunik region will be discussed in Moscow. Many concerns were raised on…

Petros Ghazaryan’s irony towards the church and not only

On January 10, Petros Ghazaryan’s guests on the Public Television were Daniel Ioannisyan, Head of the “Union of Informed Citizens” NGO, Mher Arshakyan, Journalist of “365News” website, Ashot Melikyan, Chairman of the Committee to Protect Freedom of Expression (CPFE), Sosi Tatikyan, Project Coordinator at “Freedom House” in Armenia. The topic of Public Discussion was “Disinformation…

Restrictions on freedom of speech at AUA

Censorship and Corruption at American University of Armenia By A Member of AUA Faculty For The California Courier [Ed. Note: The name of the author has been withheld at their request. Contrary to the editorial policy of The California Courier not to publish any opinion article anonymously, we have made an exception in this case…

MOD officer tried to obstruct the work of 24news.am news agency

The parents of a number of servicemen held a protest action in front of Vazgen Sargsyan military university. 24news.am news agency covered the topic of public interest on the spot. During the media coverage, an officer of the Ministry of Defense with the colonel  shoulder strap approached the 24news.am cameraman and tried to obstruct his…

Authorities deprive citizens of their right to receive information

There is an information collapse in Armenia. State agencies hardly comment on the events taking place in the country, furthermore, some politicians give interviews only to the media outlets of their choice. The impression is created that with such a step the politicians simply avoid unfavorable questions. NA Vice Speaker Alen Simonyan and NA Deputy…

 “Media Advocate” sums up the year

2020 was a tragic year. First the epidemic, then the war took about 8.5 thousand lives. We lost huge territories from the homeland. As a result of inefficacious rule and treacherous steps, we are currently on the verge of losing our statehood. Naturally the media felt all this on their skin. Sanctions and pressure cases…

We will continue to record every violation of the rights of the journalists and the representatives of the journalistic community

“Hraparak” daily journalist Vahe Makaryan referred to the latest publication of “Media Advocate” initiative on his Facebook page, in which, in accordance with our principles, and the mission of protecting the rights of journalists, we expressed support to the journalist. In his Facebook post, Makaryan thanked the initiative for always standing by the journalists, adding…

Alen Simonyan made insulting remarks regarding the journalist

NA Deputy Speaker Alen Simonyan made insulting expressions in the NA corridor while answering the questions of “Hraparak” daily journalist Vahe Makaryan. Alen Simonyan, going beyond the boundaries of politeness, tried to correct the journalist and label him. “Media Advocate” initiative has repeatedly noted that Alen Simonyan, who by the way used to work in…

 “Media Advocate” sums up the year

2020 was a tragic year. First the epidemic, then the war took about 8.5 thousand lives. We lost huge territories from the homeland. As a result of inefficacious rule and treacherous steps, we are currently on the verge of losing our statehood. Naturally the media felt all this on their skin. Sanctions and pressure cases…

The news service of the Public Television bypassed the hot issues

During its main issue of December 28, the news service of the Public Television did not present that a signboard with the words “Welcome to Azerbaijan” was placed on the Goris-Kapan road. Besides, the Azerbaijanis gave the residents of the houses in the area of ​​one of the horticultural companies in Goris an hour to…

Public TV continues to work in the same style: unpleasant news to the authorities is not presented

The news service of the Public TV continues to bypass many topics that have received public attention. In particular, on December 24, the parliamentary discussion on the issues of border communities organized by the PAP (Prosperous Armenia Party), in which the ruling party refused to participate was not presented. The media outlet did not report…

PARA TV news agency cameraman detained

During the protest actions in front of the National Assembly, the police detain citizens by the order of the newly appointed commander of the State Protection Service of the National Security Service, Sargis Hovhannisyan. As a result of the police operation, PARA TV news agency cameraman Vazgen Hambardzumyan is also among the detainees. Such behavior…

Arman Babajanyan distorts the facts, Petros Ghazaryan corrects them

On December 22, Petros Ghazaryan’s guest on Public TV was independent MP Arman Babajanyan, who made a number of groundless statements and distorted the facts. Referring to the plunder by the former authorities, Petros Ghazaryan interrupted the guest, noting: “Scientists, artists, universities, conservatory lecturers, student councils, lawyers join the demand for Pashinyan’s resignation. Have they…

Public TV’s news service did not touch upon a number of topics

During its December 23 newscast the news service of the Public Television neither covered that the flag of Azerbaijan was placed on the bank of the Vorotan River in Syunik, nor that Azerbaijani soldiers were deployed there and the armed enemy entered the house of one of the residents forcing them to leave. The news…

Azatutyun TV did not cover the incident between the Prime Minister and the priest and a number of other topics

Azatutyun TV did not present the incident between the Prime Minister and the priest in Syunik, as well as the Ombudsman’s statement in that regard. The media outlet did not touch upon the fact that YSU lecturers, scientists and professors had informed that they would join today’s strike demanding the resignation of the Prime Minister,…

Public TV covered the incident between the Prime Minister and the priest incompletely

The developments following the incident between Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan and the priest were not presented during the main newscast of the Public Television on December 21. It should be reminded that the priest refused to shake Pashinyan’s hand in St. Gregory Church in Sisian, pointing to the church door in response. After that, a…

I like to interrupt։ Petros Ghazaryan’s confession

On December 20, Petros Ghazaryan’s guests on Public TV were “My Step” fraction MP Hamazasp Danielyan, “Citizen’s Decision” party executive body member Mikayel Nahapetyan, “Bright Armenia” party MP Karen Simonyan, “Heritage” party board chairwoman Narine Dilbaryan. The topic was the reform of the law on parties. The commentator regularly interrupted the guests, expressed his point…

The work of the journalist and host of the 5th Channel was hindered; Andranik Kocharyan refused to answer the questions

Today the work of the journalist and host of the 5th Channel Lara Arakelyan was hindered in the Republic Square of Yerevan. Some of the citizens made insulting expressions, and the deputy of “My Step” fraction Andranik Kocharyan refused to answer the journalist’s questions. For further details, we contacted Lara Arakelyan, who confirmed the news․…

Petros Ghazaryan interrupted the guest, mocked him, did not allow finish his thoughts

On December 18, Petros Ghazaryan’s guest on Public TV was the chairman of the Christian Democratic Party, former Prime Minister Khosrov Harutyunyan. The party of the latter is among 16 parties. Petros Ghazaryan was emotional; he was regularly interrupting the guest, was not allowing him to finish his remarks and was mocking. Khosrov Harutyunyan presented…

Mane Gevorgyan provided contradictory comments

On December 16, Azerbaijani media and social media users wrote that according to the country’s State Statistics Committee, 12,024 Azeribaijanis will return to Stepanakert. Following this news, the Prime Minister’s Spokesperson Mane Gevorgyan provided contradictory comments to two different media outlets. Mane Gevorgyan told Armenpress the following: “Unfortunately, some Armenian media outlets become tools, as…

Information blockade in Armenia

The authorities deprive citizens of their right to receive information. It has been a long time since there is an information blockade in Armenia. The state agencies seem not to be accountable to the citizens, at the same time the border situation is no longer presented to the public. The public gets acquainted with most…

Azatutyun TV did not cover a number of topics of public interest

On December 14, Azatutyun TV (RFE/RL’s Armenian Service) did not touch upon a number of topics during its newscasts. In particular, it did not present the protests demanding the resignation of the Prime Minister in Gyumri. The citizens closed one of the central streets of Gyumri, then Haghtanak Street and the Pushkin-Shahumyan crossroads, the Alagyaz-Artik…

The subtle art of manipulating: The news service of the Public Television does not present various actions demanding the PM resignation

The Public Television did not present the protests demanding the resignation of the Prime Minister in Gyumri during its main newscast on December 14. The citizens closed one of the central streets of Gyumri, then Haghtanak Street and the Pushkin-Shahumyan crossroads were closed with the help of cars. News service did not report that the…

Citizens alarm the Public TV funded by their means does not present the reality and is busy defending Nikol Pashinyan

The Public Television did not present the full picture of the Azerbaijani offensive in Artsakh during its December 12 newscast. In particular, the statement of the Prime Minister’s press secretary became a subject of heated discussions. Even the Russian host Vladimir Solovyov reacted to it, expressing his surprise at his statement on the resumption of…

According to Andranik Kocharyan, the two Catholicoi, the National Academy of Sciences, the YSU Scientific Council and the others are not the people. He said it is necessary to establish relations with Turkey and Azerbaijan

On December 9, Andranik Kocharyan was Petros Ghazaryan’s guest on Public TV. Petros Ghazaryan, referring to the demand for the resignation of the Prime Minister, asked: “The opposition states that this is the demand of the people:  the two Catholicoi, the National Academy of Sciences, the YSU Scientific Council, the community heads, are not the…

Public TV incompletely covers the protests demanding the PM resignation

In the main newscast of the Public Television on December 10, the protests demanding the resignation of the Prime Minister were presented incompletely. A number of citizens demanding Nikol Pashinyan’s resignation took posters with pictures of Facebook fake users to the front of the government building, noting that they are actually the only Nikol Pashinyan’s…

Fake accounts, offensive comments: the journalist sounds the alarm

Tert.am news agency journalist Ani Gevorgyan informed “Media Advocate” initiative that fake accounts were opened on social networks using her pictures, moreover, insulting comments were written regarding her. “Media Advocate” initiative considers such revelations unacceptable. This is a direct blow to the professional work of a journalist. With this step, some circles want to silence…

Petros Ghazaryan’s incorrect expression regarding the media

On December 7, Petros Ghazaryan’s guest on Public TV was Edmon Marukyan, the leader of the “Bright Armenia” party, who was also announced by their party as an alternative candidate for the post of the prime minister. Petros Ghazaryan noted: “What prevents the parties of the National Assembly and the 16 forces from gathering without…

The aggressive behavior of NA deputy Mikayel Zolyan

Journalist of Yerevan.today news agency Syuzi Badoyan tried to ask a question in the NA corridor to the deputy of the NA “My Step” fraction Mikayel Zolyan, who flew off the handle and insulted the journalist. Syuzi Badoyan says, “You have forgotten that you are a deputy.” Mikayel Zolyan responds that he will not answer…

Positive articles published on Vazgen Manukyan prevail

From December 3 to 6, 2020, the “Media Advocate” Initiative followed online media reports on the joint candidate for the post of RA Prime Minister, Vazgen Manukyan’s personality and activities. 10 news agencies were monitored: Hraparak.am, Yerkir.am, Aravot.com, News.am, Tert.am, Panorama.am, Aysor.am, Azatutyun.am, Armlur.am and Yerevan.Today According to the monitoring, 252 articles were published on…

Nikol Pashinyan remains the most criticized politician

From December 3 to 6, 2020, the “Media Advocate” Initiative followed online media reports on Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan’s personality and activities. 10 news agencies were monitored: Hraparak.am, Yerkir.am, Aravot.com, News.am, Tert.am, Panorama.am, Aysor.am, Azatutyun.am, Armlur.am and Yerevan.Today According to the monitoring, 698 articles were published on 10 selected websites regarding Nikol Pashinyan. 479 articles…

Petros Ghazaryan’s yet another quarrel with the guest

On December 6, the topic of the public discussion on Public TV was: “Who is to blame? What to do?” Solutions to the crisis.” Petros Ghazaryan’s guests were Boris Navasardyan, Head of the Yerevan Press Club, Hovsep Khurshudyan Head of the “Free Citizen” NGO, writer, publicist Vasak Gharibyan, human rights activist Avetik Ishkhanyan. At the…

Disrespectful attitude towards the guest

On December 5, Petros Ghazaryan’s guest on Public TV was Ara Sahakyan, a member of the “Hayrenik” (Homeland) Party council. The host quoted the thoughts voiced by Vazgen Manukyan at the protest: “Vazgen Manukyan announces that if Nikol Pashinyan does not go voluntarily, he will be dismissed by force. It is a good start for…

Astghik Avetisyan։ The public received misinformation during the 44-day war

“Media Advocate” initiative interviewed Public Relations specialist Astghik Avetisyan. We tried to find answers to some important issues with the help of short questions. Trust. How did the government “catch” it and when it started to lose it? Taking advantage of the mistakes made by the government and the opportunity to dialogue with the public,…

Public TV did not touch upon the protests, press conferences demanding the resignation of the Prime Minister and the scandal over the Ministry of Education

During its December 4 newscasts the Public Television did not cover the protests in front of the government building demanding the resignation of the Prime Minister. It did not refer to the press conference of “Sisakan” regiment commander Ashot Minasyan. The latter announced that when not being sober Nikol Pashinyan had given an order to…

The Public TV did not touch upon a number of topics

A number of topics were bypassed in the November 2 newscast of the Public Television. The reaction of the office of the second president Robert Kocharyan to the video of the National Security Service (NSS), where it was stated that Kocharyan’s supporters also took part in the riots, was not presented. The Public TV did…

Aggressive behavior towards journalists is unacceptable։ “Media Advocate”

During the briefing in the National Assembly, the RA NA deputy from “My Step” fraction Armen Khachatryan, behaves aggressively and tries to provoke a conflict while answering the journalists’ questions. “Media Advocate” initiative has recently repeatedly stated that the authorities and the police forces aggressively treat journalists conducting their professional work and behave unfriendly towards…

The camera of “Yerkir Media” TV damaged

During the protests that took place yesterday, the police, using violence, tried to detain the cameraman of “Yerkir Media” TV company. As a result, the camera, which is the property of the TV company, was damaged. “Media Advocate” initiative considers such revelations unacceptable. We demand that the police compensate the TV station’s property or provide…

The government is ill-starred: Petros Ghazaryan regularly interrupted Gegham Manukyan

On November 30, Petros Ghazaryan’s guest on Public TV was the head of news, social and political programs of Yerkir Media TV, a representative of the Armenian Revolutionary Federation (ARF Dashnaktsutyun) Gegham Manukyan, who ended his hunger strike today, on the 9th day, but will continue to demand the Prime Minister’s resignation. Petros Ghazaryan regularly…

“Yerkir Media” TV cameraman attacked

During the protest action demanding Nikol Pashinyan’s resignation, the police used force against the cameraman of “Yerkir Media” TV; the latter’s camera was damaged. According to the director of the TV Company Gegham Manukyan, the police first put the cameraman in the police car, and then released him. “Media Advocate” initiative condemns the move against…

5th Channel won the lawsuit against the police

5th Channel has won a lawsuit against the police. The case was related to not wearing a mask on the air during the quarantine. “Media Advocate” initiative welcomes the court decision and congratulates the staff of the TV company on the victory. “Media Advocate” initiative talked to the director of the TV company. Harutyun Harutyunyan…

Garnik Isagulyan made an insulting statement regarding the media

Before his press conference, politician Garnik Isagulyan called the media outlets that do not cover his press conference “a child of immorality.” “Media Advocate” initiative considers such a statement unacceptable. The media are free in their activities. Such statements regarding the media should be excluded. Garnik Isagulyan himself is a head of a media outlet,…

Lena Nazaryan’s enduring silence: The NA Deputy Speaker has no answer

On November 25, Petros Ghazaryan’s guest on Public TV was NA Deputy Speaker Lena Nazaryan. Petros Ghazaryan voiced the accusations and demands raised among the public. Lena Nazaryan was confused. When asked by the host about the proper time for the elections, the Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly was silent for a long time,…

Search at Mihran Hakobyan’s house: legal weapons confiscated

According to political scientist Hrant Melik-Shahnazaryan’s Facebook post, a search was carried out at the “Qaryak Media” co-founder Mihran Hakobyan’s house. The search was carried out with a number of violations. The political scientist noted that the court decision states what they should search – evidence on organizing the protest, but the police confiscated Mihran…

Ruben Rubinyan said he is guilty, but did not admit the accusations at the same time

On November 23, Petros Ghazaryan’s guest on Public TV was Ruben Rubinyan, Chairman of the NA Standing Committee on Foreign Relations, MP of the “My Step” fraction. The host asked: “Do you admit that in two and a half years, you have formed such opposition-government relations (let us crush, lay them on the asphalt) that…

The right to free assembly and speech is restricted in the Republic of Armenia

It is been a long time since the authorities signed a shameful document, by which 80% of Artsakh is handed over to the rule of Azerbaijan. When signing this document, it was forbidden to criticize the actions of the authorities in Armenia, which was a clear example of restriction of freedom of speech. After the…

Public television and reality

On November 20, a number of topics were not touched upon during the newscasts of Public Television, and the actions of civil disobedience in the capital and in the city of Gyumri were presented without some episodes, in particular, the rude attitude of the police towards citizens, including women. It was covered in the form…

Arman Babajanyan blamed for the defeat the former authorities when hosted in Public TV

On November 19, Petros Ghazaryan’s guest in Public Television’s pavilion was an independent deputy, head of the “For the sake of the Republic” (Hanun Hanrapetutyan) party Arman Babajanyan. The discussion started with accusations against the head of the military control service of the Armenian Defense Ministry Movses Hakobyan, who was dismissed from his post. Arman…

Public TV conceals some details of the events, avoids presenting resignation cases

During its November 18 newscasts the Public Television partially presented the question and answer session in the National Assembly: the report does not present the fact that the opposition MPs continue to boycott and do not participate in the sitting. Only the pro-government deputies and the Prime Minister were in the NA hall. The Public…

Public TV presents an “edited” reality

During its November 17 newscasts, the Public Television partially presented the speech of the pro-government deputy. The episode, which became a subject of discussions among the public and was presented by almost all media, was not presented by Public TV. In particular, the deputy of “My Step” fraction Hayk Sargsyan mocked President Armen Sargsyan, noting:…

Hayk Sargsyan continues showing disrespect towards journalists

NA MP from “My Step” alliance Hayk Sargsyan continues showing disrespect towards journalists. During the NA briefing, Hayk Sargsyan answering the question of Kentron TV journalist Vachik Grigoryan, responded: “You were from Kentron TV, right? Wait, I will answer your (informal) question. The journalist corrects that it is not your but Your (Formal). Hayk Sargsyan…

Hayk Sargsyan showed disrespect towards journalists

During the briefing in the National Assembly of Armenia, RA NA deputy Hayk Sargsyan, showed disrespect towards journalists. Denying the news that his shirt costs $ 1,500, he offered the journalist to buy it for $ 100. The deputy continued his cynical approach, calling all the journalists liars. “Media Advocate” initiative considers Hayk Sargsyan’s such…

Editor-in-chief of the BlogNews news agency Konstantin Ter-Nakalyan attacked

The editor-in-chief of the BlogNews news agency Konstantin Ter-Nakalyan has been attacked. Ter-Nakalyan received a stab and cut wound. “Media Advocate” initiative condemns all kind of acts of violence. This is a consequence of calls to violence voiced in the Republic in recent days. Hate speech and threats have reached their peak nowadays. Such calls…

Public Television, operating at the expense of the public funds, has served exclusively for government propaganda

“Media Advocate” Initiative has repeatedly published analyses and monitoring results that have shown that the Public Television, operating at the expense of the public funds has served exclusively for the sake of government’s propaganda. Currently, the Public Television continues to be the main propaganda machine of the government. After the document signed by Nikol Pashinyan,…

Vahagn Hovakimyan made inadmissible remarks on journalist Vahe Makaryan

Vahagn Hovakimyan, MP from the NA “My Step” fraction, made inadmissible remarks on the journalist of “Hraparak” daily, Vahe Makaryan. The incident took place in the NA corridor. Vahagn Hovakimyan went beyond the bounds of ethics suitable to a state official; he made assessments, not considering Vahe Makaryan a journalist, and then calling him a…

Petros Ghazaryan: I do not care about the law

On November 15, Petros Ghazaryan’s guest on Public TV was the leader of the “Bright Armenia” party Edmon Marukyan. Petros Ghazaryan made an incorrect formulation: “There is a question for the opposition as well. You said that you went to Artsakh, saw the situation and realized that you were losing. Not only you, not a…

Public TV does not present many topics of public interest

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…

Andranik Kocharyan addressed the 5th Channel journalist with contempt

During the briefing, Andranik Kocharyan, a deputy of the RA NA My Step alliance, treated the 5th Channel journalist with contempt and insult. “Media Advocate” initiative once again states that even at this crucial moment the authorities continue dividing the society into whites and blacks; theirs and others. This is a step against freedom of…

Public TV is acting as a propaganda machine of the authorities

Public TV, which operates at the expense of the public funds, has been broadcasting provocative videos for two days now, in which volunteers and servicemen declare that they support Nikol Pashinyan, while at the same time discrediting political forces and citizens fighting for the annulment of the disgraceful act of Artsakh’s capitulation. It is noteworthy…

Journalist Gegham Manukyan arrested

After the protests in Yerevan, Gegham Manukyan, the head of political and news programs of “Yerkir Media” TV was arrested. In fact, the authorities are trying to silence both the opposition representatives and the journalists by implementing such actions. A repressive struggle against dissent and freedom of speech has started under the name of martial…

“Media Advocate” urges to refrain from actions against the media

Many citizens have been detained since the first minutes of the protest in Freedom Square. Among them one may find public and political figures. Mass arrests and clashes are reported. Journalists and cameramen work in tense and difficult conditions. Mihran Hakobyan, the owner of “Qaryak Media”, is among those detained. “Media Advocate” initiative assesses this…

Unknown people attacked the office of “Azatutyun” radio station

Unknown people attacked the Yerevan office of RFE/RL’s Armenian Station (“Azatutyun”). “Media Advocate” initiative considers such incidents unacceptable. The hooligan act must be condemned. We call on the police to reveal those who attacked the office and to punish them with the full force of the law. Such actions against the media and freedom of…

International journalistic communities and information bureaus must unite to show their strength to Ilham Aliyev

On the way back from Artsakh, I managed to watch the interview of the dictator of Azerbaijan Aliyev to the authoritative BBC. To each question, Aliyev answered with the nonsensical phrase “It’s fake news”. The de facto dictator called “fake news” a number of authoritative media outlets and trustworthy journalists. There is a lot of…

The general picture of the coverage of the Karabakh conflict in the Foreign media from November 6 to 8

From November 6 to 8, 2020, “Media Advocate” initiative monitored the publications of 5 leading foreign media outlets to find out how the foreign media covered the actions unleashed by Azerbaijan. The websites of the following media outlets were monitored: “BBC”, “CNN”, “Reuters”, “Associated Press” (AP), and “Deutsche Welle” (DW-English version). The BBC news agency…

The general picture of the coverage of the Karabakh conflict in the Russian media from November 6 to 8

From November 6 to 8, 2020, “Media Advocate” initiative monitored the publications of 5 leading Russian media outlets to find out how the Russian media covered the actions unleashed by Azerbaijan. The following media outlets were monitored: “Lenta ru”, “Gazeta ru”, “Ria Novosti”, “Regnum”, and “TASS”. “Lenta.ru” published 24 articles, 7 of which were the…

The general picture of the coverage of the Karabakh conflict in the Foreign media from November 4 to 5

From November 4 to 5, 2020, “Media Advocate” initiative monitored the publications of 5 leading foreign media outlets to find out how the foreign media covered the actions unleashed by Azerbaijan. The websites of the following media outlets were monitored: “BBC”, “CNN”, “Reuters”, “Associated Press” (AP), and “Deutsche Welle” (DW-English version). The BBC and CNN…

The general picture of the coverage of the Karabakh conflict in the Russian media on November 5

On November 5, 2020, “Media Advocate” initiative monitored the publications of 5 leading Russian media outlets to find out how the Russian media covered the actions unleashed by Azerbaijan. The following media outlets were monitored: “Lenta ru”, “Gazeta ru”, “Ria Novosti”, “Regnum”, and “TASS”. “Lenta.ru” published 8 articles, 4 of which were the publications of…

Ellen Samyn: We will continue to ask the Belgian government for the recognition of the Republic of Artsakh

Interview with Belgian MP Ellen Samyn 1․ In the early morning of September 27, Azerbaijan launched offensive against Nagorno-Karabakh (Artsakh Republic). The civilian population is being bombed, while international organizations are mainly silent or equate the two sides. What do you think is the reason for such actions? The international community should indeed take action…

“Media Advocate” initiative welcomes the step of the European Federation of Journalists

The European Federation of Journalists condemned Satik Seyranyan’s persecution. “Media Advocate” initiative welcomes the step of the European Federation of Journalists and hopes that any step against freedom of speech and press will be condemned by international organizations. It should be reminded that late in the evening the police visited the apartment of 168.am news…

The general picture of the coverage of the Karabakh conflict in the Russian media on November 4

On November 4, 2020, “Media Advocate” initiative monitored the publications of 5 leading Russian media outlets to find out how the Russian media covered the actions unleashed by Azerbaijan. The following media outlets were monitored: “Lenta ru”, “Gazeta ru”, “Ria Novosti”, “Regnum”, and “TASS”. “Lenta.ru” published 8 articles, 1 of which was the publication of…

Siranush Sahakyan: Giving such a “mission” to the police is the shortest way to discredit that eminent institution

“Media Advocate” initiative interviewed Siranush Sahakyan, a specialist in international constitutional law. Mrs. Sahakyan, the fact that the captured Areg Sargsyan and Narek Amirjanyan are alive is largely conditioned by your and human rights activist Artak Zeynalyan’s prompt and professional work. The ECHR upheld your application and “made demands on Azerbaijan.” How did you organize…

Marc Hendirckx: Baku knows that its soldiers act inhumanely and against all the rules of war

Interview with the member of Mechelen city council, lawyer Mark Hendrickx 1․ On September 27, the Azerbaijani side launched a large-scale military offensive against Nagorno-Karabakh (Artsakh)․ It immediately suspended the operation of the opposition media and blocked the access to social networks. How do you assess such a restriction on freedom of speech? Why did…

The general picture of the coverage of the Karabakh conflict in the Foreign media from November 2 to 3

From November 1 to 3, 2020, “Media Advocate” initiative monitored the publications of 5 leading foreign media outlets to find out how the foreign media covered the actions unleashed by Azerbaijan. The websites of the following media outlets were monitored: “BBC”, “CNN”, “Reuters”, “Associated Press” (AP), and “Deutsche Welle” (DW-English version). The BBC and CNN…

The general picture of the coverage of the Karabakh conflict in the Russian media on November 3

On November 3, 2020, “Media Advocate” initiative monitored the publications of 5 leading Russian media outlets to find out how the Russian media covered the actions unleashed by Azerbaijan. The following media outlets were monitored: “Lenta ru”, “Gazeta ru”, “Ria Novosti”, “Regnum”, and “TASS”. “Lenta.ru” published 14 articles, 3 of which were the publications of…

The general picture of the coverage of the Karabakh conflict in the Russian media on November 2

On November 2, 2020, “Media Advocate” initiative monitored the publications of 5 leading Russian media outlets to find out how the Russian media covered the actions unleashed by Azerbaijan. The following media outlets were monitored: “Lenta ru”, “Gazeta ru”, “Ria Novosti”, “Regnum”, and “TASS”. “Lenta.ru” published 10 articles, 3 of which were the publications of…

The general picture of the coverage of the Karabakh conflict in the Foreign media from October 29 to November 1

From October 29 to November 1, 2020, “Media Advocate” initiative monitored the publications of 5 leading foreign media outlets to find out how the foreign media covered the actions unleashed by Azerbaijan. The websites of the following media outlets were monitored: “BBC”, “CNN”, “Reuters”, “Associated Press” (AP), and “Deutsche Welle” (DW-English version). The BBC news…

The general picture of the coverage of the Karabakh conflict in the Russian media from October 30 to November 1

From October 30 to November 1, 2020, “Media Advocate” initiative monitored the publications of 5 leading Russian media outlets to find out how the Russian media covered the actions unleashed by Azerbaijan. The following media outlets were monitored: “Lenta ru”, “Gazeta ru”, “Ria Novosti”, “Regnum”, and “TASS”. “Lenta.ru” published 27 articles, 5 of which were…

The general picture of the coverage of the Karabakh conflict in the Russian media on October 29

On October 29, 2020, “Media Advocate” initiative monitored the publications of 5 leading Russian media outlets to find out how the Russian media covered the actions unleashed by Azerbaijan. The following media outlets were monitored: “Lenta ru”, “Gazeta ru”, “Ria Novosti”, “Regnum”, and “TASS”. “Lenta.ru” published 12 articles, 3 of which were the publications of…

The general picture of the coverage of the Karabakh conflict in the Foreign media from October 25 to 28

From October 25 to 28, 2020, “Media Advocate” initiative monitored the publications of 5 leading foreign media outlets to find out how the foreign media covered the actions unleashed by Azerbaijan. The websites of the following media outlets were monitored: “BBC”, “CNN”, “Reuters”, “Associated Press” (AP), and “Deutsche Welle” (DW-English version). The BBC news agency…

The general picture of the coverage of the Karabakh conflict in the Russian media from October 27 to 28

From October 27 to 28, 2020, “Media Advocate” initiative monitored the publications of 5 leading Russian media outlets to find out how the Russian media covered the actions unleashed by Azerbaijan. The following media outlets were monitored: “Lenta ru”, “Gazeta ru”, “Ria Novosti”, “Regnum”, and “TASS”. “Lenta.ru” published 30 articles, 15 of which were the…

Ed Ram: Civilians should never be targeted

Interview with freelance journalist Ed Ram, who used to work for BBC for about 7 years and now writes for UK newspapers. -After the Azerbaijani aggression started, a lot of international journalists went to the frontline to cover the offensive. Due to them, the truth is being elucidated. You, yourself, have visited the frontline, would…

Jakob Kürüm: This war is a new genocide against Christians of Artsakh

Interview with Jakob Kürüm, editor and author of SCEPTR and journalist for Pallieterke and Assyria TV -From the beginning of the war, Azerbaijan has targeted the journalists. For instance, Russian journalists and also journalists from the French periodical Le Monde were injured. Do you think they do it deliberately as all of them had a…

One should not hesitate to support journalists

As a result of Azerbaijan’s offensive actions, a large-scale war against the Republic of Artsakh was unleashed for a month now. As a result of the war, both civilians and journalists and the drivers accompanying the journalist teams were killed and injured. “Media Advocate” initiative monitors the activities of journalists on the front lines. We…

The general picture of the coverage of the Karabakh conflict in the Russian media on October 26

On October 26, 2020, “Media Advocate” initiative monitored the publications of 5 leading Russian media outlets to find out how the Russian media covered the actions unleashed by Azerbaijan. The following media outlets were monitored: “Lenta ru”, “Gazeta ru”, “Ria Novosti”, “Regnum”, and “TASS”. “Lenta.ru” published 15 articles, 4 of which were the publications of…

Investigation from Artsakh։ The photojournalist managed to survive and tell the happening

The head of the “Media Advocate” initiative Sergey Chamanyan interviewed photojournalist, documentalist photographer Areg Balayan in Artsakh. Sergey Chamanyan – You witnessed the attack on journalists in Martuni. Could you please tell the details? Areg Balayan – 5 people left Stepanakert: me, our Khane, 3 international journalists. On the way, our friend Sevak called and…

The general picture of the coverage of the Karabakh conflict in the Foreign media from October 22 to 24

From October 22 to 24, 2020, “Media Advocate” initiative monitored the publications of 5 leading foreign media outlets to find out how the foreign media covered the actions unleashed by Azerbaijan. The websites of the following media outlets were monitored: “BBC”, “CNN”, “Reuters”, “Associated Press” (AP), and “Deutsche Welle” (DW-English version). The BBC news agency…

Some statements are unacceptable in these days of war

These days, some Armenian media outlets and individuals publish comments and posts that may be in Turkey’s interest which is engaged in this war and contradict official statements. This, in turn, contributes to the creation of an atmosphere of panic. “Media Advocate” initiative has singled out the comments of media outlets and Facebook statements that…

The general picture of the coverage of the Karabakh conflict in the Russian media from October 23 to 25

From October 23 to 25, 2020, “Media Advocate” initiative monitored the publications of 5 leading Russian media outlets to find out how the Russian media covered the actions unleashed by Azerbaijan. The following media outlets were monitored: “Lenta ru”, “Gazeta ru”, “Ria Novosti”, “Regnum”, and “TASS”. “Lenta.ru” published 41 articles, 14 of which were the…

Investigation from Artsakh: How were the journalists attacked?

The head of the “Media Advocate” initiative Sergey Chamanyan talked to media representatives in Artsakh to find out the details of the attack on journalists. The representative of the Press Service of the Artsakh Republic Defense Army Suren Sarumyan is sure that the enemy deliberately shelled in the direction of journalists. “All journalists had identification…

The general picture of the coverage of the Karabakh conflict in the Russian media on October 22

On October 22, 2020, “Media Advocate” initiative monitored the publications of 5 leading Russian media outlets to find out how the Russian media covered the actions unleashed by Azerbaijan. The following media outlets were monitored: “Lenta ru”, “Gazeta ru”, “Ria Novosti”, “Regnum”, and “TASS”. “Lenta.ru” published 16 articles, 7 of which were the publications of…

Despite the war, the head of the CC staff is interested in the financial flows of “Hraparak” newspaper

Trdat Sargsyan, the chief of staff of the Civil Contract party, petitioned the court to demand from Hraparak to submit a reference on the newspaper’s financial flows. The former governor of Vayots Dzor Trdat Sargsyan considered the article published in the newspaper on September 28 a slander and demanded to respect him. Meanwhile, it is…

The general picture of the coverage of the Karabakh conflict in the Foreign media from October 19 to 21

From October 19 to 21, 2020, “Media Advocate” initiative monitored the publications of 5 leading foreign media outlets to find out how the foreign media covered the actions unleashed by Azerbaijan. The websites of the following media outlets were monitored: “BBC”, “CNN”, “Reuters”, “Associated Press” (AP), and “Deutsche Welle” (DW-English version). The BBC news agency…

The general picture of the coverage of the Karabakh conflict in the Russian media on October 21

On October 21, 2020, “Media Advocate” initiative monitored the publications of 5 leading Russian media outlets to find out how the Russian media covered the actions unleashed by Azerbaijan. The following media outlets were monitored: “Lenta ru”, “Gazeta ru”, “Ria Novosti”, “Regnum”, and “TASS”. “Lenta.ru” published 19 articles, 3 of which were the publications of…

The general picture of the coverage of the Karabakh conflict in the Russian media on October 20

On October 20, 2020, “Media Advocate” initiative monitored the publications of 5 leading Russian media outlets to find out how the Russian media covered the actions unleashed by Azerbaijan. The following media outlets were monitored: “Lenta ru”, “Gazeta ru”, “Ria Novosti”, “Regnum”, and “TASS”. “Lenta.ru” published 7 articles, 2 of which were the publications of…

“Media Advocate” is concerned about the low level of media literacy in the country

Journalist Tatul Hakobyan, referring to Azerbaijan’s offensive on the Artsakh Republic, presented the situation on the border by posting an update on his Facebook page. Tatul Hakobyan, using the information published in open sources, presented the exact situation, according to which the Armenian side retreated in certain directions. Tatul Hakobyan’s post was followed by insults…

The general picture of the coverage of the Karabakh conflict in the Foreign media from October 16 to 18

From October 16 to 18, 2020, “Media Advocate” initiative monitored the publications of 5 leading foreign media outlets to find out how the foreign media covered the actions unleashed by Azerbaijan. The websites of the following media outlets were monitored: “BBC”, “CNN”, “Reuters”, “Associated Press” (AP), and “Deutsche Welle” (DW-English version). The BBC news agency…

The general picture of the coverage of the Karabakh conflict in the Russian media from October 16 to 19

From October 16 to 19, 2020, “Media Advocate” initiative monitored the publications of 5 leading Russian media outlets to find out how the Russian media covered the actions unleashed by Azerbaijan. The following media outlets were monitored: “Lenta ru”, “Gazeta ru”, “Ria Novosti”, “Regnum”, and “TASS”. “Lenta.ru” published 64 articles, 18 of which were the…

The broadcast of the program “Hayelu araj” has been suspended for 30 days

The Television and Radio Commission (TRC) has decided to suspend the broadcast of the program “Hayelu araj” (In front of the Mirror) for 30 days. In particular, the commission stated that the reason for initiating administrative proceedings against “RADIO 107 FM” LLC and “ARMNEWS” CJSC companies was the targeted expressions made by the companies during…

“Media Advocate” urges not to create internal tension during these war days

The editor of the news department of the Public Television, Levon Sardaryan, expects accuracy from the media, while he makes inaccurate and contradictory posts on his Facebook page, spreading panic among the public. Levon Sardaryan made a post on Facebook late last night: “I demand that the mayors of Kajaran and Meghri judge with all…

The general picture of the coverage of the Karabakh conflict in the Russian media on October 15

On October 15, 2020, “Media Advocate” initiative monitored the publications of 5 leading Russian media outlets to find out how the Russian media covered the actions unleashed by Azerbaijan. The following media outlets were monitored: “Lenta ru”, “Gazeta ru”, “Ria Novosti”, “Regnum”, and “TASS”. “Lenta.ru” published 18 articles, 6 of which were the publications of…

The general picture of the coverage of the Karabakh conflict in the Foreign media on October 15

On October 15, 2020, “Media Advocate” initiative monitored the publications of 5 leading foreign media outlets to find out how the foreign media covered the actions unleashed by Azerbaijan. The websites of the following media outlets were monitored: “BBC”, “CNN”, “Reuters”, “Associated Press” (AP), and “Deutsche Welle” (DW). The BBC, CNN and Deutsche Welle news…

Azerbaijani theses are reflected in the titles of Azatutyun

During the war, when almost all the media outlets are united and work based on a common principle, RFE/RL’s Armenian Service published articles headlines of which were unacceptable to the public. They reflect the standpoint of the Azerbaijani side. Moreover, the Azerbaijani theses become the titles of Azatutyun articles. As an example, the article published…

The general picture of the coverage of the Karabakh conflict in the Russian media on October 14

On October 14, 2020, “Media Advocate” initiative monitored the publications of 5 leading Russian media outlets to find out how the Russian media covered the actions unleashed by Azerbaijan. The following media outlets were monitored: “Lenta ru”, “Gazeta ru”, “Ria Novosti”, “Regnum”, and “TASS”. “Lenta.ru” published 26 articles, 6 of which were the publications of…

The general picture of the coverage of the Karabakh conflict in the Foreign media on October 14

On October 14, 2020, “Media Advocate” initiative monitored the publications of 5 leading foreign media outlets to find out how the foreign media covered the actions unleashed by Azerbaijan. The websites of the following media outlets were monitored: “BBC”, “CNN”, “Reuters”, “Associated Press” (AP), and “Deutsche Welle” (DW). The BBC news agency published 1 extensive…

The general picture of the coverage of the Karabakh conflict in the Foreign media on October 13

On October 13, 2020, “Media Advocate” initiative monitored the publications of 5 leading foreign media outlets to find out how the foreign media covered the actions unleashed by Azerbaijan. The websites of the following media outlets were monitored: “BBC”, “CNN”, “Reuters”, “Associated Press” (AP), and “Deutsche Welle” (DW). The BBC news agency published 1 extensive…

The general picture of the coverage of the Karabakh conflict in the Russian media from October 12 to 13

From October 12 -13, 2020, “Media Advocate” initiative monitored the publications of 5 leading Russian media outlets to find out how the Russian media covered the actions unleashed by Azerbaijan. The following media outlets were monitored: “Lenta ru”, “Gazeta ru”, “Ria Novosti”, “Regnum”, and “TASS”. “Lenta.ru” published 18 articles, 2 of which were the publications…

The general picture of the coverage of the Karabakh conflict in the Foreign media from October 10 to 12

From October 10 to 12, 2020, “Media Advocate” initiative monitored the publications of 5 leading foreign media outlets to find out how the foreign media covered the actions unleashed by Azerbaijan. The websites of the following media outlets were monitored: “BBC”, “CNN”, “Reuters”, “Associated Press” (AP), and “Deutsche Welle” (DW). The BBC news agency published…

Martial law should not become a pretext to intimidate the press and freedom of speech

Today, 24 media outlets issued a statement regarding the latest restrictions on the work of the media. “Media Advocate” initiative also joined the announcement. The heads of the media outlets substantiated that these restrictions are not in the public interest and that they contradict the legislation. The joint statement also called for the removal of…

The general picture of the coverage of the Karabakh conflict in the Foreign media from October 5 to 9

From October 5 to 9, 2020, “Media Advocate” initiative monitored the publications of 5 leading foreign media outlets to find out how the foreign media covered the actions unleashed by Azerbaijan. The websites of the following media outlets were monitored: “BBC”, “CNN”, “Reuters”, “Associated Press” (AP), and “Deutsche Welle” (DW). The BBC news agency published…

The general picture of the coverage of the Karabakh conflict in the Russian media from October 9 to 11

From October 9 to 11, 2020, “Media Advocate” initiative monitored the publications of 5 leading Russian media outlets to find out how the Russian media covered the actions unleashed by Azerbaijan. The following media outlets were monitored: “Lenta ru”, “Gazeta ru”, “Ria Novosti”, “Regnum”, and “TASS”. “Lenta.ru” published 52 articles, 18 of which were the…

In connection with the martial law in the Republic of Armenia, a number of restrictions have been introduced in the information field

One cannot criticize or question the words of government officials related to military operations and policies. “Media Advocate” Initiative closely monitors media publications that contradict this decision. The Armtimes.com media published an interview with expert Karen Hovhannisyan, who noted that he believes that simply a ceasefire and negotiations are wrong. According to the expert: “It…

The general picture of the coverage of the Karabakh conflict in the Russian media on October 8

On October 8 2020, “Media Advocate” initiative monitored the publications of 5 leading Russian media outlets to find out how the Russian media covered the actions unleashed by Azerbaijan. The following media outlets were monitored: “Lenta ru”, “Gazeta ru”, “Ria Novosti”, “Regnum”, and “TASS”. “Lenta.ru” published 13 articles, 3 of which were the publications of…

The general picture of the coverage of the Karabakh conflict in the Foreign media from October 1 to 4

From October 1 to 4, 2020, “Media Advocate” initiative monitored the publications of 5 leading foreign media outlets to find out how the foreign media covered the actions unleashed by Azerbaijan. The websites of the following media outlets were monitored: “BBC”, “CNN”, “Reuters”, “Associated Press” (AP), and “Deutsche Welle” (DW). The BBC news agency published…

Three Russian journalists were wounded in Shushi

On October 8, three Russian journalists were injured as a result of shelling from the Azerbaijani side of the Ghazanchetsots Church in Shushi. Two of them, Levon Arzanov and Yuri Kotenok, underwent a surgery, there is no immediate danger to the lives of journalists. “Media Advocate” initiative condemns such aggressive manifestations of Azerbaijan. We draw…

Dozhd TV provides more airtime to Azerbaijani speakers

“Media Advocate” initiative urges the local media to carefully choose the interviewees, as any careless word these days may have irreversible consequences for Artsakh and Armenia, which are currently at war. We urge to check the information voiced by the speakers and to clarify the sources. These days, the Russian “Dozhd” TV channel expresses a…

The general picture of the coverage of the Karabakh conflict in the Russian media on October 7

On October 7 2020, “Media Advocate” initiative monitored the publications of 5 leading Russian media outlets to find out how the Russian media covered the actions unleashed by Azerbaijan. The following media outlets were monitored: “Lenta ru”, “Gazeta ru”, “Ria Novosti”, “Regnum”, and “TASS”. “Lenta.ru” published 24 articles, 5 of which were the publications of…

The general picture of the coverage of the Karabakh conflict in the Foreign media from September 27 to 30

From September 27 to 30, 2020, “Media Advocate” initiative monitored the publications of 5 leading foreign media outlets to find out how the foreign media covered the actions unleashed by Azerbaijan. The websites of the following media outlets were monitored: “BBC”, “CNN”, “Reuters”, “Associated Press” (AP), and “Deutsche Welle” (DW). The BBC news agency published…

The general picture of the coverage of the Karabakh conflict in the Russian media from October 5 to 6

From October 5 to 6, 2020, “Media Advocate” initiative monitored the publications of 5 leading Russian media outlets to find out how the Russian media covered the actions unleashed by Azerbaijan. The following media outlets were monitored: “Lenta ru”, “Gazeta ru”, “Ria Novosti”, “Regnum”, and “TASS”. “Lenta.ru” published 43 articles, 13 of which were the…

“My Step” deputy hit the journalist and threatened him

An incident took place today between “My Step” alliance deputies Kristine Poghosyan, Arthur Hovhannisyan and the 5th Channel journalist. The deputy hit the journalist and threatened him. The state of war does not allow the deputies to behave like this or use force against journalists. “Media Advocate” initiative urges the police to prevent such cases…

The general picture of the coverage of the Karabakh conflict in the Russian media from October 2 to 4

From October 2 to 4, 2020, “Media Advocate” initiative monitored the publications of 5 leading Russian media outlets to find out how the Russian media covered the actions unleashed by Azerbaijan. The following media outlets were monitored: “Lenta ru”, “Gazeta ru”, “Kommersant”, “Regnum”, and “TASS”. “Lenta.ru” published 70 articles, 19 of which were the publications…

Azerbaijan again targeted journalists

On October 2, while returning from Martakert, a vehicle transporting the journalists of the Russian First Channel, TASS, RIA Novosti, Shant and Factor TV came under fire. We learn from the Facebook post of Factor TV journalist Robert Ananyan that, fortunately, there are no casualties: they have managed to reach the shelter. Several projectiles fell,…

Do’s and don’ts of this situation: Samvel Martirosyan’s remarks

1 ․ To what extent do Facebook and Instagram stories help and serve the purpose these days? Is there a need to share them? It is very difficult to work with information in these hard times, but the fact is that the stories are actually very good tools for young people to inform and warn,…

“Media Advocate” Initiative considers unacceptable and condemns Azerbaijan’s encroachment on the work of international journalists

International journalists are not allowed to work in Azerbaijan. RA Human Rights Defender Arman Tatoyan, referring to this issue, as well as to the statement of the Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry, according to which Armenia endangers the safety of journalists, issued a statement, in which he particularly emphasized the work of foreign and impartial journalists. The…

We will win both on the battlefield and in the information sphere

As a result of the October 1 attacks by the Azerbaijani side, members of several media were injured: in particular journalists of the authoritative French news agency Le Monde, Dmitry Elovsky, Deputy Editor-in-Chief of the well-known Russian TV channel Dozhd, Aram Grigoryan, a cameraman of Armenia TV and Sevak Vardumyan, a reporter of 24News news…

Vladimir Zhirinovsky said that when Russia did not even exist, Urartu did։ The host was not neutral

On September 30, the “60 minutes in hot pursuit” program broadcast on “Russia 1” TV Channel, referred to the situation in Artsakh and Armenia. One of the speakers mentioned that Armenia applies double standards, the time has come to realize that the leading positions in Armenia, including in the law enforcement agencies, are occupied by…

The general picture of the coverage of the Karabakh conflict in the Russian media on September 30

On September 30, “Media Advocate” initiative monitored the publications of 10 leading Russian media outlets to find out how the Russian media covered the actions unleashed by Azerbaijan. The following media outlets were monitored: “Lenta ru”, “RIA Novosti”, “RBC”, “Komsomolskaya Pravda”, “Gazeta ru”, “Russia Today”, “Kommersant”, “Regnum”, “Vzglyad” and “TASS”. “Lenta.ru” published 37 articles, 13…

Azerbaijan targeted the journalists

The journalists of the authoritative French news outlet Le Monde, the deputy editor-in-chief of the famous Russian “Dozhd” TV channel (also known as TV Rain) Dmitry Elovsky, the cameraman of Armenia TV Aram Grigoryan came under fire. “Media Advocate” initiative calls on international human rights organizations, embassies to condemn the actions unleashed by Azerbaijan. First…

The topic of the Russian program “Time will show” was the Artsakh issue

Օn September 30, the topic of the program “Time will show” (Время покажет) broadcast on the First Channel of Russia, was the situation in Artsakh and Armenia. The TV presenters were mostly neutral, one of them noted: “When women, children and the elderly are hidden in basements, they stop being representatives of Armenians, Azerbaijanis or…

The general picture of the coverage of the Karabakh conflict in the Russian media from September 27 to 29

From September 27 to 29, “Media Advocate” initiative monitored the publications of 10 leading Russian media outlets to find out how the Russian media covered the actions unleashed by Azerbaijan. The following media outlets were monitored: “Lenta ru”, “RIA Novosti”, “RBC”, “Komsomolskaya Pravda”, “Gazeta ru”, “Russia Today”, “Kommersant”, “Regnum”, “Vzglyad” and “TASS”. It should be…

The Azerbaijani authorities restrict the freedom of speech of their journalists and media outlets

Following the offensive of the Azerbaijani side on September 27, the media outlets, contradicting the state propaganda machine do not operate in Azerbaijan, or are partially active there: as an example one may mention the case with Meydan TV. It should be reminded that the Azerbaijani authorities have also blocked a number of social networks.…

All Armenian media outlets are united and work on a single principle

Since yesterday, all the Armenian media outlets, considering the current situation, are working in a more organized, operative manner, investing all their potential. Armenian TV channels had emergency newscasts yesterday and regularly updated the news. In case of new information, they immediately went on the air and broadcast the latest news. All the media outlets…

A number of Armenian websites were hacked

Early in the morning, Azerbaijan launched a large-scale military operation against the Artsakh Republic. The attacks of the Azerbaijani side have also been transferred to the information field: news.am, mamul.am, hetq.am, 1in.am, Armtimes.com, Blognews.am, Armenpress.am, Artsakhpress.am, Mediamax.am and some other news outlets were hacked. We urge the media to restrict the security of websites and…

Press Secretary of the RA Ministry of Defense Shushan Stepanyan urgently updates the information on her Facebook page

According to the information spread on her the Facebook page: The commander of the Defense Army, Major-general Jalal Harutyunyan, stated that at 07:10 the Azerbaijani troops attacked the entire length of the line of contact. The attacks of the Azerbaijani troops were repulsed in several directions. The enemy suffered losses of human and technical equipment;…

“We urge RFE/RL’s Armenian Service to act in the official information field in a state of war, to refrain from spreading Azerbaijani propaganda theses”: Media Advocate Initiative

Early in the morning, Azerbaijan launched a large-scale military operation against the Artsakh Republic. The Armenian media try to provide operative-comprehensive information on the Azerbaijani aggression to the population of Armenia, Artsakh and the international community. Meanwhile, the Armenian Service of RFE/RL is actually circulating hostile propaganda theses, questioning the official statements of the RA…

Media Advocate urges the media to use and disseminate only verified information

“Media Advocate” initiative, considering the tense border situation, urges journalists to use the official messages of the RA and Artsakh Ministry of Defense and the RA and Artsakh Defense Army as a reliable source. We urge the media to use and disseminate exclusively verified information, refrain from using Azerbaijani websites and disseminating information spread on…

Numerous negative articles were published on Hayk Marutyan

From 11 to 20 September, 2020, the “Media Advocate” initiative followed online media reports on the mayor of Yerevan, Hayk Marutyan’s personality and activities. 35 leading Armenian news agencies have been monitored.  In the specified period, 265 articles were declared, 63 of which were negative, 2 were positive and 200 were neutral. Numerous negative articles…

Azatutyun TV did not cover the hunger strike of the citizens near the Government building

On September 24, Azatutyun TV did not refer to the hunger strike of those citizens who want to leave for Russia. The citizens have been on a hunger strike for 3 days now and demand an urgent solution to the issue. Yesterday, the representatives of the “For Social Justice” party also gathered near the Government…

Public TV does not cover protests taken place in the country

The citizens who want to leave for Russia have been on a hunger strike for two days now: they demand a meeting with the Prime Minister. Օn September 24, the Public TV’s News Service did not refer to the complaint of the citizens who are on a hunger strike near the government building. Citizens consider…

Numerous negative articles were published on Anna Hakobyan

From 11 to 20 September, 2020, the “Media Advocate” initiative followed online media reports on the wife of the Prime Minister of the Republic of Armenia, Anna Hakobyan’s personality and activities. 35 leading Armenian news agencies have been monitored. In the specified period, 240 articles were declared, 44 of which were negative, 2 were positive…

Public TV did not cover the protest in front of the government building

On September 22, the Public TV did not refer to the protest action of those citizens who want to leave for Russia, which took place near the government building. It became known yesterday that the RF has decided to open the air borders to all EEU member states, except Armenia. Russia has not officially clarified…

Arsen Torosyan is in the center of criticism

From September 11 to 20, 2020, the “Media Advocate” initiative followed online media reports on the RA Minister of Health, Arsen Torosyan’s personality and activities. 35 leading Armenian news agencies have been monitored․ In the specified period, 298 articles were declared, 127 of which were negative, 13 were positive and 158 were neutral. RA Health…

Both positive and negative articles were published on Gagik Tsarukyan

From September 11 to 20, 2020, the “Media Advocate” initiative followed online media reports on the Member of the National Assembly of the Republic of Armenia, Gagik Tsarukyan’s personality and activities. 35 leading Armenian news agencies have been monitored. In the specified period, 498 articles were declared, 85 of which were negative, 90 were positive…

A large number of negative articles were published on Nikol Pashinyan

From September 11 to 20, 2020, the “Media Advocate” Initiative followed online media reports on Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan’s personality and activities. 5 news agencies were monitored: hetq.am, azatutyun.am, armtimes.com, yerkir.am and hraparak.am. According to the monitoring, 285 articles were published on 5 selected websites regarding Nikol Pashinyan. 88 articles of which were negative, 7…

Azatutyun TV unilaterally presented the scandalous events regarding the resignation demands of the ESCS Minister

On September 20, during its Sunday newscast, Azatutyun TV’s Hrayr Tamrazyan, referring to the scandalous events regarding the resignation of the Minister of Education, Science, Culture and Sports Arayik Harutyunyan, expressed his opinion: “It is not clear why they are protesting against uniting the “History of the Armenian Church” subject with the “Armenian History”, is…

Both negative and positive articles were published on Zaruhi Batoyan

From 1 to 10 September, 2020, the “Media Advocate” initiative followed online media reports on the Minister of Labor and Social Affairs Zaruhi Batoyan’s personality and activities. 35 leading Armenian news agencies have been monitored. In the specified period, 78 articles were declared, 23 of which were negative, 4 were positive and 51 were neutral.…

Azatutyun TV did not cover a number of important topics

During its September 16 newscasts Azatutyun TV did not touch upon the incident between the deputies of the “Bright Armenia” fraction and the security officer in the National Assembly; the security guard pushed the deputy. The march of the ARF Youth Union demanding the resignation of the Minister of Education was not covered either. The…

No positive articles were published on Ararat Mirzoyan

From 1 to 10 September, 2020, the “Media Advocate” initiative followed online media reports on the President of the National Assembly Ararat Mirzoyan’s personality and activities. 35 leading Armenian news agencies have been monitored. In the specified period, 311 articles were declared, 28 of which were negative and 283 were neutral. No positive articles were…

The news service of the Public TV did not refer to the incident in the National Assembly and not only

On September 16, the news service of the Public Television did not refer to the incident between the deputies of the “Bright Armenia” fraction and the security officer in the National Assembly. The deputies of the fraction tried to take to the NA session hall a poster “Take a step, leave boldly” demanding the resignation…

I work based on one principle – not to complicate the work of journalists: Sona Martirosyan

“Media Advocate” initiative continues the series of interviews with the press secretaries and heads of the state agencies. This time our interlocutor is Sona Martirosyan, the Press Secretary of the Minister of Labour and Social Issues. Your biography is inspiring – an active journalistic and teaching activity. You are a press secretary at the Ministry…

Both negative and positive articles were published on Zohrab Mnatsakanyan

From 1 to 10 September, 2020, the “Media Advocate” initiative followed online media reports on the RA Minister of Foreign Affairs, Zohrab Mnatsakanyan’s personality and activities. 35 leading Armenian news agencies have been monitored. In the specified period, 161 articles were declared, 15 of which were negative, 4 were positive and 142 were neutral. Both…

Armenia: Legislative proposal on insult and defamation compensation threatens press freedom

On 8 September, a member of the Armenian National Assembly brought forward a legislative proposal on insult and defamation that aims to increase fines for publishing insults and defamatory comments in the media and social networks. The International and European Federations of Journalists (IFJ and EFJ) join their affiliate, the Union of Journalists of Armenia…

Discussion on educational standards turned into a dispute: Petros Ghazaryan lost his temper

On September 14, Petros Ghazaryan’s guest on Public TV was Ani Samsonyan, NA MP from the “Bright Armenia” fraction. The discussion on educational standards turned into a dispute. Petros Ghazaryan regularly interrupted the guest, and the latter accused him of not being impartial, reminded that Petros Ghazaryan’s wife works in the Ministry of Education, Science,…

Arsen Torosyan remains in the center of criticism

From 1 to 10 September, 2020, the “Media Advocate” initiative followed online media reports on the RA Minister of Health, Arsen Torosyan’s personality and activities. 35 leading Armenian news agencies have been monitored․ In the specified period, 191 articles were declared, 107 of which were negative, 2 were positive and 82 were neutral. Minister of…

Press Secretaries also bear the obligations of freedom of information responsible

“Media Advocate” initiative continues the series of interviews with the press secretaries and heads of the state agencies. This time our interlocutor is Davit Grigoryan, the Press Secretary of the Ministry of Environment. You started your working activity as a journalist, you’ve worked as a news commentator, and now you are a press secretary. As…

The public discussion was unilateral

On September 13, Petros Ghazaryan’s guests on Public TV were Artashes Torosyan, expert of the General Education Department of the Ministry of Education, Science, Culture and Sports, Alvard Poghosyan, Head of the UNICEF Education Programs Division, Heghine Hambardzumyan, teacher of the Vanadzor School № 25 after Viktora Ambartsumyan, Gayane Sahakyan, Deputy General Director of the…

During its weekly summary Azatutyun TV did not refer to the demand for the resignation of the Minister of Education

On September 12, when summing up the events of the week during its Sunday newscast, Azatutyun TV did not touch upon the protests demanding the resignation of the Minister of Education, Science, Culture and Sports Arayik Harutyunyan: in general, the events related to the sphere of education were bypassed. The demand of the Student Council…

Public TV’s News Service does not cover the processes demanding the resignation of the Minister of Education

This time Public TV’s News Service did not cover the fact that “Bright Armenia” fraction will present the demand for Arayik Harutyunyan’s resignation at the National Assembly. On September 16, the parliament will propose to make a decision for the Prime Minister to discuss the issue of Arayik Harutyunyan’s future tenure. The fraction has already…

The protests against Arayik Harutyunyan do not stop

From 1 to 10 September, 2020, the “Media Advocate” initiative followed online media reports on the Minister Arayik Harutyunyan’s personality and activities. 35 leading Armenian news agencies have been monitored. In the specified period, 531 articles were declared, 276 of which were negative, 1 was positive and 254 were neutral. The protests against the ESCS…

Azatutyun TV did not touch upon some of the main topics of the day

Azatutyun TV’s September 9 newscasts did not touch upon the dispute surrounding the dismissal of Amatuni Virabyan, the director of the National Archives. The Ministry of Justice claims that he has allowed himself misuses. Virabyan, who has been in office since 2001, considers the ministry’s order illegal, the employees of the National Archive are against…

The NA Speaker is one of the most criticized politicians

From 21 to 31 August, 2020, the “Media Advocate” initiative followed online media reports on the President of the National Assembly Ararat Mirzoyan’s personality and activities. 35 leading Armenian news agencies have been monitored. In the specified period, 184 articles were declared, 37 of which were negative, 1 was positive and 146 were neutral. Numerous…

Numerous negative articles were published on Alen Simonyan

From 21 to 31 August, 2020, the “Media Advocate” initiative followed online media reports on the Vice-speaker of the National Assembly of the Republic of Armenia, Alen Simonyan’s personality and activities. 35 leading Armenian news agencies have been monitored. In the specified period, 125 articles were declared, 60 of which were negative, 2 were positive…

Public TV’s News Service did not touch upon the most important topics

On September 7, the press service of the Public Television did not touch upon the protest demanding the resignation of the Minister of Education, Science, Culture and Sports Arayik Harutyunyan, as well as the protest action of citizens wanting to leave for Russia which took place in front of the Government building, and the indefinite…

Azatutyun did not present a number of topics that received public attention

Azatutyun TV’s September 7 newscasts did not touch upon the protest demanding the resignation of the Minister of Education, Science, Culture and Sports Arayik Harutyunyan, the protest action of citizens wanting to leave for Russia in front of the Government building, the protest action by Babken Harutyunyan, President of the Public Control Center NGO and…

We urge opposition MPs to reject the draft

Vice-Speaker of the National Assembly Alen Simonyan presented a legislative initiative according to which the amount of compensation for insult and defamation published in social networks and the media, should be exceeded from 1 million drams, to 5 million drams in case of insult, and from 2 million to 10 million drams in case of…

No positive articles were published on Tigran Avinyan

From 21 to 31 August, 2020, the “Media Advocate” initiative followed online media reports on the RA Deputy Prime Minister, Commandant Tigran Avinyan’s personality and activities. 35 leading Armenian news agencies have been monitored. In the specified period, 114 articles were declared, 16 of which were negative and 98 were neutral. No positive articles were…

I would like people not to spread insults and slander under the guise of freedom of speech

“Media Advocate” initiative continues the series of interviews with the press secretaries and heads of the state agencies. This time our interlocutor is Lusine Martirosyan, the Press Secretary of the Minister of Justice. The position of the press secretary is closely connected with the minister; as it is accepted, the change of the minister implies…

Hayk Marutyan is one of the most criticized politicians

From 21 to 31 August, 2020, the “Media Advocate” initiative followed online media reports on the mayor of Yerevan, Hayk Marutyan’s personality and activities. 35 leading Armenian news agencies have been monitored. In the specified period, 226 articles were declared, 144 of which were negative and 82 were neutral. Yerevan Mayor Hayk Marutyan is one…

Azatutyun TV’s issue was not neutral

During Azatutyun TV’s September 6 issue, referring to the activities of the “Hayrenik” party, Hrayr Tamrazyan presented his standpoint, violating journalistic ethics: “New parties have been established, former politicians have joined them, but the political force that can compete with the prime minister, the supporters of whom can pose a serious challenge to the current…

Eduard Aghajanyan made insulting remarks regarding the media

The Chief of Staff of the Government of the Republic of Armenia Eduard Aghajanyan made unacceptable expressions regarding the media. Eduard Aghajanyan’s insulting expressions addressed to the media are unacceptable. It is not appropriate for a high-ranking official to address the free press in such a way. The Chief of Staff of the Government considered…

In the last two years, there have been vivid changes in terms of taunt and contemptuous attitude towards the media

The interlocutor of “Media Advocate” initiative is Arpine Hovhannisyan, the founder of the “Legal Education and Control” Non-Governmental Organization, former NA Deputy Speaker. Journalists post stories on Facebook from your book presentation event, as one may notice, you still receive congratulatory messages. How did the presentation go, who were invited and based on which principle?…

Diversity is what never lets me get bored at work

“Media Advocate” initiative continues the series of interviews with the press secretaries and heads of the state agencies. This time our interlocutor is Anna Ohanyan, the press secretary to the Minister of Economy. A change of minister usually presupposes a change of press secretary too. You worked both with former minister and with current minister.…

Journalists were banned from entering YSU Board meetings

The Board of Trustees of Yerevan State University voted for the proposal of the Deputy Minister of the Education, Science, Culture and Sports Zhanna Andreasyan to prohibit journalists’ entrance to the meetings of Board of Trustees. This is an actual example of freedom of speech restriction. For a long time now, there is an actual…

No positive articles were published on Arsen Torosyan

From 11 to 20 August, 2020, the “Media Advocate” initiative followed online media reports on the RA Minister of Health, Arsen Torosyan’s personality and activities. 35 leading Armenian news agencies have been monitored․ No positive articles were published on Arsen Torosyan. The press writes that back in 2018, Narek Vanesyan, a close friend of the…

Both negative and positive articles were published on Zohrab Mnatsakanyan

From 1 to 10 August, 2020, the “Media Advocate” initiative followed online media reports on the RA Minister of Foreign Affairs, Zohrab Mnatsakanyan’s personality and activities. 35 leading Armenian news agencies have been monitored. In the specified period, 121 articles were declared, 21 of which were negative, 5 were positive and 95 were neutral. Both…

Arayik Harutyunyan is among the most criticized politicians

From 1 to 10 August, 2020, the “Media Advocate” initiative followed online media reports on the Minister Arayik Harutyunyan’s personality and activities. 35 leading Armenian news agencies have been monitored. In the specified period, 355 articles were declared, 204 of which were negative, 5 were positive and 146 were neutral. RA Minister of Education, Science,…

Hayk Marutyan labeled the professional work of journalists

On August 18, Yerevan Mayor Hayk Marutyan, referring to the news about his possible resignation disseminated in the press, labeled the professional work of journalists, dividing the news outlets into “formers and presents”. This is an unacceptable approach. The mayor may disagree with this or that publication of the news outlet, deny the published news,…

Public TV and RFE/RL’s Armenian Service did not comment on the scandalous incident

The Public TV and RFE/RL’s Armenian Service (Azatutyun) did not refer to the incident between the police and the journalists in front of the National Assembly. Some media outlets disseminated a video where the police did not allow the journalists to shoot a video in the yard of the National Assembly, hindering their professional work.…

The policeman reprehends the journalists and invites them out of the public space

The media outlets disseminated a video where one may notice how the police do not allow the journalists to shoot a video in the yard of the National Assembly. The footage shows how the policeman treats the journalists disrespectfully, claims that their credentials have expired. The journalists mention that it is a public open space,…

Successful are those who know how to communicate “correctly”

“Media Advocate” initiative continues the series of interviews with the press secretaries and heads of the state agencies. This time our interlocutor is Siranush Gyurjinyan, the press secretary of the Minister of High-Tech Industry. How many years have you worked in the Ministry of High-Tech Industry as a press secretary? What specialist are you, tell…

Armen Sargsyan was criticized

From 1 to 10 August, 2020, the “Media Advocate” initiative followed online media reports on the President of the Republic of Armenia, Armen Sargsyan’s personality and activities. 35 leading Armenian news agencies have been monitored. In the specified period, 471 articles were declared, 14 of which were negative, 4 were positive and 453 were neutral.…

Media Vahan 2020 took place

Welcome our winners: “The Best News Outlet” – ArmNewsTV “The Most Discussed Politician” – Tigran Avinyan “The Most Scandalous Politician” – Gevorg Petrosyan “The Most Positive Public Figure” – Davit Tonoyan “The Best TV Commentator” – Davit Sargsyan “The Best Photojournalist” – Gevorg Ghazaryan “The Best Journalist” – Hripsime Jebejyan “The Best Watchdog” – Hetq…

Almost all media outlets touched upon Israel Hakobkokhyan’s hunger strike, except for Public Television and Azatutyun

World boxing champion Israel Hakobkokhyan has been on an indefinite hunger strike since August 12. Near the monument to Garegin Nzhdeh, he answers questions of the media for several days, notes that the hunger strike is against the Istanbul, Lanzarote conventions, the exploitation of Amulsar, general educational standards, encroachments on the Armenian Apostolic Church. According…

Hayk Marutyan remains one of the most criticized politicians

From 1 to 10 August, 2020, the “Media Advocate” initiative followed online media reports on the mayor of Yerevan, Hayk Marutyan’s personality and activities. 35 leading Armenian news agencies have been monitored.  In the specified period, 307 articles were declared, 101 of which were negative, 5 were positive and 201 were neutral. Hayk Marutyan remains…

Azatutyun TV’s report was unilateral

Azatutyun TV’s August 15 newscast referred to the sitting of the specialized commission on constitutional amendments, during which it was decided to maintain the parliamentary model of government, but to renounce the article of a stable majority. In this regard, the journalist had made a 5-minute report based on the speech of Daniel Ioannisyan, a…

A large number of negative articles were published on Alen Simonyan

From 1 to 10 August, 2020, the “Media Advocate” initiative followed online media reports on the Vice-speaker of the National Assembly of the Republic of Armenia, Alen Simonyan’s personality and activities. 35 leading Armenian news agencies have been monitored. In the specified period, 193 articles were declared, 98 of which were negative, 1 was positive…

The Best Journalist

“Media Advocate” initiative’s “Media Vahan” (Media shield) annual award will take place on August 17 at the “Best Western Plus Congress” hotel. 9 nominations will be presented during the “Media Vahan 2020” award ceremony. We will summarize one year of the Armenian media field. Before the day of the event, we will present you the…

Hakob Karapetyan: It is necessary to recall the media activity of the previous mayors and then compare it with the activity of Hayk Marutyan

“Media Advocate” initiative continues the series of interviews with the press secretaries and heads of the state agencies. This time our interlocutor is the press secretary of Yerevan Municipality Hakob Karapetyan. 1 ․ Since 2016, you have collaborated with the Public Television of Armenia as a journalist, editor and screenwriter, working on various projects. That…

Negative articles on Arsen Torosyan prevail

From 1 to 10 August, 2020, the “Media Advocate” initiative followed online media reports on the RA Minister of Health, Arsen Torosyan’s personality and activities. 35 leading Armenian news agencies have been monitored․ In the specified period, 333 articles were declared, 176 of which were negative, 157 were neutral. The negative articles published on Minister…

The Most Discussed Politician

“Media Advocate” Initiative’s “Media Vahan” (Media shield) annual award will take place on August 17 at the “Best Western Plus Congress” hotel. 9 nominations will be presented during the “Media Vahan 2020” award ceremony. We will summarize one year of the Armenian media field. Before the day of the event, we will present you the…

The Best Media Outlet

“Media Advocate” initiative’s “Media Vahan” (Media shield) annual award will take place on August 17 at the “Best Western Plus Congress” hotel. 9 nominations will be presented during the “Media Vahan 2020” award ceremony. We will summarize one year of the Armenian media field. Before the day of the event, we will present you the…

Only negative articles were published on Tigran Avinyan

From 1 to 10 August, 2020, the “Media Advocate” initiative followed online media reports on the RA Deputy Prime Minister, Commandant Tigran Avinyan’s personality and activities. 35 leading Armenian news agencies have been monitored. In the specified period, 263 articles were declared, 58 of which were negative and 205 were neutral. Only negative articles were…

The Public Television provided 25 seconds to the coverage of protest in front of the government building

The Public Television provided 25 seconds of its main newscast to the coverage of protest demanding to open the borders bilaterally which took place in front of the government building on August 12, without presenting the speech of any of the protesters or the answers of the Foreign Minister. The citizens mentioned that they were…

The Best Photojournalist

“Media Advocate” initiative’s “Media Vahan” (Media shield) annual award will take place on August 17 at the “Best Western Plus Congress” hotel. 9 nominations will be presented during the “Media Vahan 2020” award ceremony. We will summarize one year of the Armenian media field. Before the day of the event, we will present you the…

Almost no positive articles were published on Anna Hakobyan

From 1 to 10 August, 2020, the “Media Advocate” initiative followed online media reports on the wife of the Prime Minister of the Republic of Armenia, Anna Hakobyan’s personality and activities. 35 leading Armenian news agencies have been monitored. In the specified period, 131 articles were declared, 45 of which were negative, 1 was positive…

The Best Watchdog

“Media Advocate” initiative’s “Media Vahan” (Media shield) annual award will take place on August 17 at the “Best Western Plus Congress” hotel. 9 nominations will be presented during the “Media Vahan 2020” award ceremony. We will summarize one year of the Armenian media field. Before the day of the event, we will present you the…

Public TV did not refer to the negative reactions of the Prime Minister’s congratulatory message to Lukashenko

Public TV did not refer to the criticism following the Prime Minister’s congratulatory message to Lukashenko in its August 11 newscast.Many human rights activists, including those who have always supported Nikol Pashinyan, consider Prime Minister’s move incomprehensible and absurd. The oppositionists think that Nikol Pashinyan hurried to congratulate Lukashenko, while the pro-government deputies and the…

 Aghasi Yenokyan: “Media Advocate” monitors the Armenian media field on a 24/7 basis and operatively responds to the most striking developments

The conflict between the former police chief and the employees of RFE/RL’s Armenian Service continues to remain in the center of public attention, including new layers of propaganda. Yesterday I noticed that some media outlets of the Armenian media field which are of 3-4 importance, are still trying to engage the journalistic organizations operating in…

No negative articles were published on Davit Tonoyan

From 1 to 10 August, 2020 the “Media Advocate” initiative followed online media reports on the RA Minister of Defense, Davit Tonoyan’s personality and activities. 35 leading Armenian news agencies have been monitored. In the specified period, 90 articles were declared, 22 of which were positive and 68 were neutral. No negative articles were published…

The Best TV Commentator

“Media Advocate” initiative’s “Media Vahan” (Media shield) annual award will take place on August 17 at the “Best Western Plus Congress” hotel. 9 nominations will be presented during the “Media Vahan 2020” award ceremony. We will summarize one year of the Armenian media field. Before the day of the event, we will present you the…

Constantly Developing Media

“Media Advocate” initiative’s “Media Vahan” (Media shield) annual award will take place on August 17 at the “Best Western Plus Congress” hotel. 9 nominations will be presented during the “Media Vahan 2020” award ceremony. We will summarize one year of the Armenian media field. Before the day of the event, we will present you the…

Both negative and positive articles were published on Ararat Mirzoyan

From 1 to 10 August, 2020, the “Media Advocate” initiative followed online media reports on the President of the National Assembly Ararat Mirzoyan’s personality and activities. 35 leading Armenian news agencies have been monitored. In the specified period, 137 articles were declared, 7 of which were negative, 5 were positive and 125 were neutral. Both…

Public TV has again bypassed the topic of Amulsar

The Public Television referred to the action of the activists protesting against the exploitation of the Amulsar mine in front of the National Assembly on August 10, but did it without presenting any footage, only noting that the ombudsman’s hotline received numerous calls in relation to the incident. Despite the peaceful protest of the defenders…

Andranik Kocharyan mocked and labeled others

On August 9 the guest on Azatutyun TV was, Chairman of the NA Standing Committee on Defense and Security, MP of the “My Step” fraction Andranik Kocharyan. The discussion referred to the thoughts voiced in the video of the third president Serzh Sargsyan. Andranik Kocharyan gave labeled others: “The standpoints voiced by Mr. Sargsyan from…

The Most Positive Public Figure

“Media Advocate” initiative’s “Media Vahan” (Media shield) annual award will take place on August 17 at the “Best Western Congress” hotel. 9 nominations will be presented during the “Media Vahan 2020” award ceremony. We will summarize one year of the Armenian media field. Before the day of the event, we will present you the 3…

Various negative articles were published on Armen Sargsyan

From 21 to 31 July, 2020, the “Media Advocate” initiative followed online media reports on the President of the Republic of Armenia, Armen Sargsyan’s personality and activities. 35 leading Armenian news agencies have been monitored. In the specified period, 480 articles were declared, 20 of which were negative, 7 were positive and 453 were neutral.…

“Media Vahan 2020 Awards will take place on August 17

“Media Advocate” Initiative’s “Media Vahan” (Media shield) annual award will take place on August 17 at the “Best Western Plus Congress” hotel. 9 nominations will be presented during the “Media Vahan 2020” award ceremony: “The Best Media Outlet”, “The Most Discussed Politician”, “The Most Scandalous Politician”, “The Most Positive Public Figure”, “The Best Photojournalist”, “The…

The Most Scandalous Politician

“Media Advocate” Initiative’s “Media Vahan” (Media shield) annual award will take place on August 17 at the “Best Western Plus Congress” hotel. 9 nominations will be presented during the “Media Vahan 2020” award ceremony. We will summarize one year of the Armenian media field. Before the day of the event, we will present you the…

Negative articles were published on Zohrab Mnatsakanyan

From 21 to 31 July, 2020, the “Media Advocate” initiative followed online media reports on the RA Minister of Foreign Affairs, Zohrab Mnatsakanyan’s personality and activities. 35 leading Armenian news agencies have been monitored. In the specified period, 213 articles were declared, 6 of which were negative, 3 were positive and 204 were neutral. Negative…

“Media Advocate” calls for the settlement of every conflict within the limits of legality

According to media reports, on August 8, an incident occurred between former police chief Vladimir Gasparyan, and a journalist of RFE/RL’s Armenian station. According to the publications, Vladimir Gasparyan, noticing that the journalist was shooting his house with a drone, threatened to run over him. The professional work of a journalist should not be hindered,…

On August 7, all media outlets except Public TV covered the Amulsar events

On August 7, Public Television’s main issue of the news program did not touch upon the events taking place around Amulsar. Yesterday was the 4th day of the activists’ protests, Amulsar was in the public spotlight all day long, journalists waited for hours along with the protesters for Lydian Armenia representatives to arrive, wagon houses…

Hayk Marutyan remains in the center of criticism

 From 21 to 31 July, 2020, the “Media Advocate” initiative followed online media reports on the mayor of Yerevan, Hayk Marutyan’s personality and activities. 35 leading Armenian news agencies have been monitored.  In the specified period, 195 articles were declared, 68 of which were negative, 27 were positive and 100 were neutral. Yerevan Mayor Hayk…

No positive articles were published on Alen Simonyan

From 21 to 31 July, 2020, the “Media Advocate” initiative followed online media reports on the Vice-speaker of the National Assembly of the Republic of Armenia, Alen Simonyan’s personality and activities. 35 leading Armenian news agencies have been monitored. In the specified period, 188 articles were declared, 92 of which were negative and 96 were…

Arsen Torosyan remains among the most criticized politicians

From 21 to 31 July, 2020, the “Media Advocate” initiative followed online media reports on the RA Minister of Health, Arsen Torosyan’s personality and activities. 35 leading Armenian news agencies have been monitored․ In the specified period, 276 articles were declared, 95 of which were negative, 34 were positive and 147 were neutral. RA Minister…

Andranik Kocharyan’s improper statements addressed to Robert Kocharyan, Arthur Vanetsyan and journalists

On August 1, Karlen Aslanyan’s guest on Azatutyun TV was “My Step” fraction MP Andranik Kocharyan. Karlen Aslanyan was neutral in his questions, while the deputy failed to speak correctly when referring to the former president and the head of the National Security Service. Besides, the latter, as he often does, targeted the journalists. “Every…

Content will eventually outweigh the form: The main goal of the reforms is that our children go to school with love

“Media Advocate” initiative continues the series of interviews with the press secretaries and heads of the state agencies. This time our interlocutor is the Deputy Head of Public Relations and Information Department of the Ministry of Education, Science, Culture and Sports of the Republic of Armenia, Ofelya Kamavosyan. 1․From education standards to protests of entrants…

No positive articles were published on ESCS Minister

From 21 to 31 July, 2020, the “Media Advocate” initiative followed online media reports on the Minister Arayik Harutyunyan’s personality and activities. 35 leading Armenian news agencies have been monitored. In the specified period, 480 articles were declared, 240 of which were negative and 240 were neutral. No positive articles were published on RA Minister…

Petros Ghazaryan’s interview was personified

On July 3, Petros Ghazaryan’s guests on Public TV were the authors of the new standards of history subject, David Tinoyan, who is engaged in the elaboration of the Armenian history subject taught in high schools, and the head of the group, Lilit Mkrtchyan who, by the way, were the target of heated criticism lately.…

Both positive and negative articles were published on Tigran Avinyan

From 21 to 31 July, 2020, the “Media Advocate” initiative followed online media reports on the RA Deputy Prime Minister, Commandant Tigran Avinyan’s personality and activities. 35 leading Armenian news agencies have been monitored. In the specified period, 253 articles were declared, 28 of which were negative, 12 were positive and 213 were neutral. Both…

 “Media Advocate” urges not to be guided by the principle of selective decision-making in courts

According to “Aravot” daily, this year, in their February 18 issue, they referred to an article partially published on Aravot.am website under the headline “Daily Press Review”. As it is mentioned in “Aravot” daily, the press review ended with the following link: “You can read the whole article in today’s issue of” Haykakan Zhamanak” newspaper.”…

Both negative and positive articles were published on Nikol Pashinyan

From July 11 to 20, 2020, the “Media Advocate” Initiative followed online media reports on Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan’s personality and activities. 5 news agencies were monitored: 1in.am, azatutyun.am, armtimes.com, aravot.am and tert.am. According to the monitoring, 267 articles were published on 5 selected websites regarding Nikol Pashinyan. 32 articles of which are negative, 19…

Azatutyun TV’s report was unilateral

Azatutyun TV aired a report on July 30, in which it interviewed “My Step” fraction MP Andranik Kocharyan. The topic was the latest interview of the second president of Armenia Robert Kocharyan. The journalist built the 5.30-minute report on the critical speech of the ruling party MP. As a result, the report was unilateral and…

Both negative and positive articles were published on Armen Sargsyan

From 11 to 20 July, 2020, the “Media Advocate” initiative followed online media reports on the President of the Republic of Armenia, Armen Sargsyan’s personality and activities. 35 leading Armenian news agencies have been monitored. In the specified period, 382 articles were declared, 13 of which were negative, 20 were positive and 349 were neutral.…

UNDER NEW LAW TRC BECOMES A CENSOR AND A JUDGE

Yesterday’s issue of “Azatutyun” TV’s “Facebook press conference” program was dedicated to the current problems of television. During the program TRC (Television and Radio Commission) Head Tigran Hakobyan answered the questions of Facebook users for about 50 minutes. Naturally, reference was made to the recently adopted laws “On Audiovisual Media” and “On Licensing”, which the…

Petros Ghazaryan was not neutral

On July 28, Petros Ghazaryan’s guests on Public TV were prose writers Susanna Harutyunyan, Gevorg Ter-Gabrielyan, MP from the “My Step” fraction Taguhi Ghazaryan, literary critic and prose writer Armen Ohanyan. The topic of public discussion was the new education standards that raised a wave of discussions. The main questions of public concern are as…

A large number of negative articles were published on Anna Hakobyan

From 11 to 20 July, 2020, the “Media Advocate” initiative followed online media reports on the wife of the Prime Minister of the Republic of Armenia, Anna Hakobyan’s personality and activities. 35 leading Armenian news agencies have been monitored. In the specified period, 161 articles were declared, 68 of which were negative, 10 were positive…

As a Foreign Ministry Spokesperson, I never express any statement, comment or position that does not reflect my approach to the issue as a diplomat and a citizen

“Media Advocate” initiative continues the series of interviews with the press secretaries. Let us remind you that last time our interlocutor was the former speaker of the Ministry of Defense Artsrun Hovhannisyan, the topic, of course, was the border situation and the work of the Ministry of Defense in that regard. During these days, quite…

No positive articles were published on Ararat Mirzoyan

From 11 to 20 July, 2020, the “Media Advocate” initiative followed online media reports on the President of the National Assembly Ararat Mirzoyan’s personality and activities. 35 leading Armenian news agencies have been monitored. In the specified period, 212 articles were declared, 28 of which were negative and 184 were neutral. No positive articles were…

ESCS Minister did not meet the applicant protesters and blamed the former ones in Public TV’s pavilion

On July 27, Petros Ghazaryan’s guest on Public TV was Minister of Education, Science, Culture and Sport Arayik Harutyunyan. The discussion mainly referred to the results of the entrance exams, the protests of the applicants who were not admitted to the universities and their parents, the new standards of literature subject. This time Petros Ghazaryan…

Tigran Avinyan continues to receive criticism

From 11 to 20 July, 2020, the “Media Advocate” initiative followed online media reports on the RA Deputy Prime Minister, Commandant Tigran Avinyan’s personality and activities. 35 leading Armenian news agencies have been monitored. In the specified period, 214 articles were declared, 11 of which were negative, 2 were positive and 201 were neutral. Deputy…

Petros Ghazaryan and Andranik Kocharyan mocked the former authorities

On July 24, Petros Ghazaryan’s guest on Public TV was Andranik Kocharyan, a member of the “My Step” fraction, chairman of the NA Standing Committee on Defense and Security. The topic of the discussion was the conclusions of recent Tavush events. The conversation, however, was mostly about the representatives of the former government. The commentator…

The professional work of journalists was hindered

“Hraparak” news agency published an article according to which Chief of Police Vahe Ghazaryan is in Tsirani restaurant located in Kotayk region with about 30 cars and numerous people. According to “Hraparak” daily, after receiving the news, their journalist hurried to the mentioned address and conducted shooting. “The police took an illegal step: “First, several…

Both negative and positive articles were published on Zohrab Mnatsakanyan

From 11 to 20 July, 2020, the “Media Advocate” initiative followed online media reports on the RA Minister of Foreign Affairs, Zohrab Mnatsakanyan’s personality and activities. 35 leading Armenian news agencies have been monitored. In the specified period, 342 articles were declared, 4 of which were negative, 6 were positive and 332 were neutral. Both…

Artsrun Hovhannisyan: Every word may be fatal today

“Media Advocate” initiative starts a series of conversations with press secretaries. The goal is to find out the efficiency of the work of state agencies with mass media, to raise the problems and try to propose solutions. Our first interlocutor is the former speaker of the Ministry of Defense Artsrun Hovhannisyan, who now coordinates the…

Arsen Torosyan has become the most criticized politician of recent weeks

From 11 to 20 July, 2020, the “Media Advocate” initiative followed online media reports on the RA Minister of Health, Arsen Torosyan’s personality and activities. 35 leading Armenian news agencies have been monitored․ In the specified period, 118 articles were declared, 60 of which were negative, 1 was positive and 57 were neutral. RA Minister…

No positive articles were published on Alen Simonyan

From 11 to 20 July, 2020, the “Media Advocate” initiative followed online media reports on the Vice-speaker of the National Assembly of the Republic of Armenia, Alen Simonyan’s personality and activities. 35 leading Armenian news agencies have been monitored. In the specified period, 37 articles were declared, 12 of which were negative and 25 were…

No positive articles  were published on ESCS Minister

From 11 to 20 July, 2020, the “Media Advocate” initiative followed online media reports on the Minister Arayik Harutyunyan’s personality and activities. 35 leading Armenian news agencies have been monitored. In the specified period, 179 articles were declared, 72 of which were negative and 107 were neutral. No positive articles on RA Minister of Education,…

The first court hearing against PRIC SNCO took place

On July 21, 2020, the first court session took place against the Public Relations and Information Center of Staff of the Prime Minister on the basis of the lawsuit of the “Media Advocate” initiative. “Media Advocate” initiative demands that the Public Relations and Information Center of Staff of the Prime Minister provides the list of…

Both negative and positive articles were published on Hayk Marutyan

From 11 to 20 July, 2020, the “Media Advocate” initiative followed online media reports on the mayor of Yerevan, Hayk Marutyan’s personality and activities. 35 leading Armenian news agencies have been monitored.  In the specified period, 112 articles were declared, 36 of which were negative, 19 were positive and 57 were neutral. Both negative and…

Public TV and RFE/RL’s Armenian Service did not cover the protests against the Ministry of Education

Both the Public Television and RFE/RL’s Armenian Service July 20 newscast did not refer to one of the highlights of the day, to the protests of parents dissatisfied with the results of the entrance exams. Many parents near Brusov State University mentioned that an unfair situation was created through the fault of the Ministry of…

Bright Armenia Fraction MP Anna Kostanyan considers some points of the Law on Audiovisual Media problematic

On July 16, the National Assembly adopted in the second reading the package of draft laws on changes in the Law on Audiovisual Media and the Law on Licensing. Bright Armenia Fraction MP Anna Kostanyan considers some points of the Law on Audiovisual Media problematic. “Media Advocate” initiative asked the deputy to present them. “The…

Numerous positive articles have been published on David Tonoyan.

From 5 to 15 July, 2020 the “Media Advocate” initiative followed online media reports on the RA Minister of Defense, Davit Tonoyan’s personality and activities. 35 leading Armenian news agencies have been monitored. In the specified period, 409 articles were declared, 4 of which were negative, 39 were positive and 366 were neutral. Numerous positive…

Various media outlets were labeled in the editorial published in “Haykakan Zhamanak”

Various media outlets were labeled in the editorial published in “Haykakan Zhamanak” daily (Armtimes). Recently, baseless accusations have been made against the media outlets. “Media Advocate” initiative has repeatedly referred to such cases. Allegations addressed to 90% of the media on implementing work by order are serious and suppose presentation of certain facts. Whatever, it’s…

MP Iveta Tonoyan considers some points of the Law on Audiovisual Media problematic

On July 16, the National Assembly adopted in the second reading the package of draft laws on changes in the Law on Audiovisual Media and the Law on Licensing. PAP (Prosperous Armenia Party) Speaker, MP Iveta Tonoyan, who is a journalist by profession and has managed the news service of Kentron TV for many years,…

Both negative and positive articles have been published on Nikol Pashinyan

From July 1 to 10, 2020, the “Media Advocate” Initiative followed online media reports on Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan’s personality and activities. 5 news agencies were monitored: 1in.am, azatutyun.am, armtimes.com, aravot.am and tert.am. According to the monitoring, 295 articles were published on 5 selected websites regarding Nikol Pashinyan. 35 articles of which are negative, 17…

The Public Relations and Information Center SNCO of the Prime Minister’s Office has deviated from its important mission amid border tensions

In current situation, the employees of the “Public Relations and Information Center” of Staff of the Prime Minister of the Republic of Armenia State Non-Commercial Organization SNCO, especially the heads of the departments, should have worked in a coordinated way, that is their Facebook posts should have been nothing but denying statements regarding the misinformation…

Freedom of speech and press is being suppressed in Azerbaijan

Anti-government protests are being held in Azerbaijan, while the Azerbaijani side resorts to falsifications. According to Baku, the march is aimed to support Azerbaijani soldiers. It was almost impossible to find a quality video of the protests held in Baku, the leading media outlets are simply keeping silence. Freedom of speech is repressed in Azerbaijan,…

All media outlets covered VETO’s action except for Public TV and Azatutyun

Narek Malyan, the head of the “VETO” social-political movement, had initiated an action on July 13, which would start near Khor Virap Monastery. The rally was organized as a sign of protest regarding the extension of the emergency state and the pressure on the church. The police, using force, detained the head of “VETO”, some…

The package of bills on new regulations in the field of audiovisual media will be included in the agenda of the forthcoming special sitting of the National Assembly

Օn July 13, at the sitting of the NA Standing Committee on Science, Education, Culture, Diaspora, Youth and Sport, amendments were made to the package of bills on new regulations in the field of audiovisual media. In particular, all TV channels will be obliged to have content for children, it was also suggested to establish…

Petros Ghazaryan’s attitude towards the church

Օn July 12 Associate Professor at the Chair of Armenian Language and History of YSU Faculty of Philology Narine Dilbaryan, Education Expert Anahit Bakhshyan, Ethnographer Hranush Kharatyan, former Minister of Culture, publicist Nazeni Gharibyan were Petros Ghazaryan’s guests on Public TV. The topic of the Public Discussion was the standards of general education, most of…

Media Advocate urges Public Council Chairman to realize the seriousness of his position

The chairman of the Public Council Styopa Safaryan made a post on his Facebook page which is not suitable for his position. He first mocked the journalist of the 5th channel Agnesa Khamoyan, then made insulting remarks regarding the work of the news outlet. “Media Advocate” initiative urges the chairman of the Public Council to…

Media Advocate: The fight for free speech should not be suppressed

Members of the “VETO” movement, including the founder Narek Malyan, who participated in the protest against the extension of the state of emergency, were detained by the police. Ani Hovhannisyan, editor-in-chief of Analitik.am news agency, was also detained. Many people, including human rights activists and public and political figures, gathered in front of the Artashat…

Media Advocate urges the media to use and disseminate only verified information

“Media Advocate” initiative, considering the tense border situation, urges journalists to use the official messages of the Ministry of Defense and the Defense Army as a reliable source. We urge the media to use and disseminate exclusively verified information, refrain from using Azerbaijani websites and disseminating information spread on the websites using Azerbaijani domain. It…

Hrayr Tamrazyan expresses his opinion instead of asking questions

Alvina Gyulumyan, a former member of the Constitutional Court, and Yeghishe Kirakosyan, the RA representative to the ECHR, were the guests of Azatutyun TV’s Sunday Analytical program with Hrayr Tamrazyan, on July 12. The topic of the discussion was the ECHR decision. During the conversation with Alvina Gyulumyan, Hrayr Tamrazyan made many claims when asking…

People are being mocked and labeled on Public TV

On July 10, Petros Ghazaryan’s guest on Public TV was Lusine Hakobyan, a lawyer and president of the “Europe in Law Assossiation” NGO. The topic was the ECHR decision. The conversation turned into a hate speech, targeting the representatives of the former government. Petros Ghazaryan, whose function is to ask questions, actually presented his point…

The ESCS Minister mocks the church on Public TV

On July 9, Petros Ghazaryan’s guest on Public TV was the Minister of Education, Science, Culture and Sport Arayik Harutyunyan. The topic was the standards of education, in particular, the removal of the history of the Armenian Church as a separate subject from the school curriculum which raised heated discussions. It is important to note…

The NA Vice Speaker constantly insults the journalists

In a conversation with Aravot.am, RA NA Deputy Speaker Alen Simonyan got angry when being asked about the issue of bonuses. The NA Vice Speaker made insulting expressions towards the journalistic community, again accusing the journalists and media outlets of receiving money. “Media Advocate” initiative considers such attacks against the media unacceptable. Anonymous and unaddressed…

“Armenpress” distorted the Iranian ambassador’s speech voiced during the interview aired on Public TV

On July 7, Petros Ghazaryan’s guest on Public TV was the Ambassador of the Islamic Republic to the Republic of Armenia Abbas Badakhshan Zohouri. Petros Ghazaryan asked the ambassador։ “Recently, there were discussions that we want to open an embassy in Israel. Armenia announced that Armenia will never be engaged in an anti-Iranian game. Your…

Yerevan Mayor Spokesman again labeled journalists

Yerevan Mayor Hayk Marutyan’s spokesman, referring to the work of the media, again labeled the journalists. Recently, the Deputy Mayor of Etchmiatsin has also made insulting remarks. The state officials must realize the importance of cooperation with the media outlets. It is in their interests to establish friendly relations with the media. There are more…

Manipulative title: RFE/RL’s Armenian Service spreads misinformation

The European Court did not reject the request of Hrayr Tovmasyan և 3 members to terminate the constitutional amendments. The article published on the Azatutyun website does not present the whole situation, it is not mentioned that a deadline has been set for the sides. It should be noted that the lawsuit of the President…

“Antifake” news agency head was detained

Narek Samsonyan, head of the Antifake news agency, was detained on July 8. “Media Advocate” initiative contacted Narek Samsonyan to find out the details of the incident. According to the founder of the “Antifake” news outlet, the police approached him at the moment he started smoking. “They were inciting provocation so that I would take…

Ejmiatsin Deputy Mayor insulted Hraparak journalist

Hraparak daily journalist Koryun Simonyan applied to the “Media Advocate” initiative, noting that Ejmiatsin Deputy Mayor Arsen Petrosyan had made insulting remarks regarding him. We contacted Koryun Simonyan. During the conversation, the journalist, referring to the incident, mentioned that the attitude of a state official is unacceptable. “Maybe as a person they don’t want media…

Hayk Marutyan remains in the center of criticism

From 21 to 30 June, 2020, the “Media Advocate” initiative followed online media reports on the mayor of Yerevan, Hayk Marutyan’s personality and activities. 35 leading Armenian news agencies have been monitored. In the specified period, 220 articles were declared, 60 of which were negative, 2 were positive and 158 were neutral. Yerevan Mayor Hayk…

There are no positive articles on Arayik Harutyunyan

From 21 to 30 June, 2020, the “Media Advocate” initiative followed online media reports on the Minister Arayik Harutyunyan’s personality and activities. 35 leading Armenian news agencies have been monitored. In the specified period, 301 articles were declared, 38 of which were negative and 263 were neutral. There are no positive articles on the RA…

“Media Advocate” presents Azatutyun’s guest list for the last few months

“Media Advocate” presents the guest list of Azatutyun’s “Sunday Analytical with Hrayr Tamrazyan”, “Interview with Karlen Aslanyan” and “Facebook Press Conference” programs for the last few months without comments. “Sunday Analytical with Hrayr Tamrazyan” — May 3- Head of the NCDC (National Center for Disease Control of the Ministry of Health) Department of Infectious Disease…

The laws signed by Armen Sargsyan caused criticism

From 21 to 30 June, 2020, the “Media Advocate” initiative followed online media reports on the President of the Republic of Armenia, Armen Sargsyan’s personality and activities. 35 leading Armenian news agencies have been monitored. In the specified period, 1058 articles were declared, 312 of which were negative, 133 were positive and 613 were neutral.…

“Media Advocate” condemns such cases of pressure on media

As we have already informed, the police entered the editorial offices of ArmNews and 5th Channel today and initiated administrative proceedings as the news presenters of the above-mentioned TV channels were not wearing a mask. In this regard, “Media Advocate” Initiative asked for a clarification from Aram Antinyan, General Director of the “Qaryak Media” Company:…

Karlen Aslanyan’s interview was unilateral

On July 2, ANC (Armenian National Congress) Deputy Chairman Levon Zurabyan was Karlen Aslanyan’s guest on Azatutyun TV. The topic of the discussion was the recent internal political events, starting from the increase of the property tax to the events regarding the Constitutional Court. Karlen Aslanyan, violating journalistic ethics, made a political statement: “The Congress,…

Almost no positive articles were published on Arsen Torosyan

From 21 to 30 June, 2020, the “Media Advocate” initiative followed online media reports on the RA Minister of Health, Arsen Torosyan’s personality and activities. 35 leading Armenian news agencies have been monitored. In the specified period, 708 articles were declared, 203 of which were negative, 5 were positive and 500 were neutral. Almost no…

Petros Ghazaryan’s interview was unilateral

On June 30, Petros Ghazaryan’s guest on Public TV was Grigor Minasyan, PhD in Law, Lawyer, Head of AM Law Firm. The topic of the discussion was the developments over the Constitutional Court. Petros Ghazaryan’s questions mainly started with the phrase “former authorities.” “Former authorities and their satellites state this is an overthrow of the…

The articles on Ararat Mirzoyan are mainly negative

From 21 to 30 June, 2020, the “Media Advocate” initiative followed online media reports on the President of the National Assembly Ararat Mirzoyan’s personality and activities. 35 leading Armenian news agencies have been monitored. In the specified period, 446 articles were declared, 122 of which were negative, 5 were positive and 319 were neutral. The…

Police is again used against a journalist and a media outlet

Ankakh.com editor-in-chief Varduhi Ishkhanyan wrote on her Facebook page: “I was recently called by the criminal police department and very politely invited to the police to provide an explanation about my post on Jhangiryan. I of course refused noting that if they are really interested in revealing election fraudsters, they should apply to the CEC…

“Media Advocate” presents Petros Ghazaryan’s monthly guest list without comments

June 1- RA Representative to the European Court Yeghishe Kirakosyan June 2- FSI (Food Safety Inspectorate) head Georgy Avetisyan June 3- Deputy Minister of Finance Arman Poghosyan June 4- Chairman of the Tourism Committee of the Ministry of Economy Susanna Safaryan June 5- Journalist Marine Gasparyan June 6 – Artistic Director and Principal Conductor of…

No positive articles were published on Arayik Harutyunyan

From 10 to 20 June, 2020, the “Media Advocate” initiative followed online media reports on the Minister Arayik Harutyunyan’s personality and activities. 35 leading Armenian news agencies have been monitored. In the specified period, 205 articles were declared, 84 of which were negative and 121 were neutral. No positive articles were published on the RA…

Guiding and Manipulative։ Media Ethics Observer’s Conclusion on the Report Regarding Aram Orbelyan

Lawyer Aram Orbelyan appealed to the Armenia’s Media Ethics Observer against the Public Television of Armenia for the report titled as “The Effects of Kocharyan’s Advocate’s Entry to the CC” (author: G. Tosunyan), aired on January 30, 2010 during the main issue of “Lurer”. According to the author of the complaint, several provisions of the…

No positive articles were published on Tigran Avinyan

From 11 to 20 June, 2020, the “Media Advocate” initiative followed online media reports on the RA Deputy Prime Minister, Commandant Tigran Avinyan’s personality and activities. 35 leading Armenian news agencies have been monitored. In the specified period, 276 articles were declared, 36 of which were negative and 240 were neutral. No positive articles were…

Instead of asking questions, Petros Ghazaryan expresses political positions

On June 27, Petros Ghazaryan’s guest on Public TV was businessman Khachatur Sukiasyan. The topic of the discussion was how to stimulate the economy. Instead of asking questions, Petros Ghazaryan expressed political positions: “Now there is no systemic corruption, those in charge are not making a fortune, there are no monopolies, there are no preferential…

The Public TV’s News Department Serves the Interests of the Authorities

The Public Television is spreading misinformation on its 1lurer.am news website, misleading the public, proving once again that the Public Television’s news department serves the interests of the authorities and is deprived of its own position. This time 1lurer.am published an article entitled: “Gianni Buquicchio urged Hrayr Tovmasyan to respect the Constitution.” Neither the original…

The website of Golos Armenii newspaper was attacked

The website belonging to Golos Armenii newspaper was attacked in the morning. In a conversation with 168.am, the editor, Flora Nakhshkaryan, noted: “In the beginning it was not possible to enter the website at all, now it is possible, but there is nothing on the website, the data and databases are completely deleted. The website…

TV companies may be shut down within the framework of the controversial law

“Media Advocate” initiative has raised a number of issues regarding the Law on Audiovisual Media. It is noteworthy that even after mentioning the gaps in the law, the initiators of the law did not organize a public discussion. In a conversation with Hraparak daily, Vahagn Tevosyan, answering the journalist’s questions, touched upon the issue of…

The professional work of the journalist was hindered

Journalist Suzy Badoyan referred to the poisoning case registered in Aghavnadzor nursing-boarding home, on her Facebook page. The journalist found out that the boarding home was supplied with food by “Epicur” entertainment center, the food of which, apparently, became a reason of poisoning of many people. No official statement was made regarding the incident. Suzy…

Dissent is being convicted in Armenia

According to the Hraparak daily, the criminal department of the police called the editorial and informed them that the prosecutor’s office instructed them to “study the circumstances of Hraparak journalist Edik Andreasyan’s article called “The little dictator and us” and resolve the issue of criminal liability.” The daily newspaper notes that the article is publicistic,…

Both negative and positive articles were published on Armen Sargsyan

From 11 to 20 June, 2020, the “Media Advocate” initiative followed online media reports on the President of the Republic of Armenia, Armen Sargsyan’s personality and activities. 35 leading Armenian news agencies have been monitored. In the specified period, 534 articles were declared, 37 of which were negative, 53 were positive and 444 were neutral.…

The ruling party MP criticizing the Constitutional Court has previously been its Chief of Staff

On June 23, Petros Ghazaryan’s guest on the Public TV was the chairman of the NA Standing Committee on State and Legal Affairs Vladimir Vardanyan. The topic of the discussion was the constitutional changes. Petros Ghazaryan voiced the concerns of the opposition and the public that the bill adopted by the National Assembly is a…

No positive articles were published on Edmon Marukyan

From 11 to 20 June, 2020, the “Media Advocate” initiative followed online media reports on the Member of the National Assembly, Edmon Marukyan’s personality and activities. 34 leading Armenian news agencies have been monitored. In the specified period, 266 articles were declared, 13 of which were negative and 253 were neutral. No positive articles were…

Another step against freedom of speech

According to media reports, a draft has been put up for discussion in the National Assembly, according to which a fine of 5 million drams is envisaged for insult and 10 million for defamation. The author of the draft is Alen Simonyan. The draft is problematic, as it may refer to Social Networks and media…

Petros Ghazaryan’s “Public Discussion” was devoted to Tsarukyan

Օn June 21, Petros Ghazaryan hosted Human rights activist Avetik Ishkhanyan, political commentator Hakob Badalyan, director Ruben Babayan, ethnographer Hranush Kharatyan. The public discussion was titled “ahead of the social changes”. The conversation started with the events around Gagik Tsarukyan, but the transition to the judicial system took place. It was not accidental, as a…

Azatutyun TV is engaged in the process of discrediting Tsarukyan

Azatutyun TV prepared an extensive 9.5-minute report, almost a film aimed at discrediting the leader of the Prosperous Armenia party Gagik Tsarukyan. The journalist talked to the residents of Mets Parni village of Lori region, where in the 2017 parliamentary elections the majority voted for the Tsarukyan alliance. Some residents note that money has been…

 “Media Advocate” Initiative: The new draft law “On audiovisual media services” is problematic

The new draft law “On audiovisual media services” has not been discussed in public, the authorities and the authors of the draft law did not organize professional hearings and did not create a platform for exchanging professional opinions. The project contains a number of problematic aspects. For example, Article 7 of the draft specifies detailed…

Numerous negative articles were published on Nikol Pashinyan

From June 8 to 17, 2020, the “Media Advocate” Initiative followed online media reports on Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan’s personality and activities. 5 news agencies were monitored: 1in.am, azatutyun.am, armtimes.com, aravot.am and tert.am. According to the monitoring, 612 articles were published on 5 selected websites regarding Nikol Pashinyan. 115 articles of which are negative, 14…

“My Step” MP Mkhitar Hayrapetyan threatened the media, giving half an hour to it, so as it removes the material

RA NA Deputy Mkhitar Hayrapetyan, referring to the article of one of the news outlets, threatened: “I give half an hour to the heads of that media; either you remove the material, or you change the title.” The attack on the media outlets in the National Assembly did not end there. Arman Babajanyan, another member…

Hraparak daily won two court cases

The two lawsuits against “Hraparak” daily ended with the defeat of the plaintiffs. LGBT community supporter Ashot Mkrtich Gevorgyan, who following transgender woman Lilit Martirosyan’s NA speech suggested to “burn”, “slaughter”and “expel” PAP MP, Chairwoman of the NA Committee on Human Rights Naira Zohrabyan, lost in the first case. In the article published in Hraparak…

Public TV report was unilateral; “Bright Armenia” MP Ani Samsonyan was targeted

On June 17, during its main issue the Public Television presented a report on the activities of the Television and Radio Commission in 2019. The head of the TRC presented the annual program in the National Assembly. The Public TV journalist started the report with Tigran Hakobyan’s words, according to which in 2019, the Public…

Yerevan Mayor Spokesperson labeled journalists

Hakob Karapetyan, spokesperson for Yerevan Mayor Hayk Marutyan, goes beyond his authority. Karapetyan has labeled the journalists.” Media Advocate” initiative urges Hakob Karapetyan to fulfill his duties, rather than comment on various issues related to the municipality. Giving lessons to the media does not fall within the scope of the activities of mayor’s spokesperson, especially…

Public Television did not maintain pluralism and presented unilateral news

On June 17, TRC (Television and Radio Commission) Head Tigran Hakobyan presented the annual program “On the Activities of the Television and Radio Commission for 2019” in the National Assembly and answered the deputies’ questions. Ani Samsonyan, a member of the “Bright Armenia” fraction, referring to the report, noted that the authorities had been invited…

Nazeni Baghdasaryan made insulting remarks on media

Nazeni Baghdasaryan, a member of the “My Step” fraction of the RA National Assembly, made insulting remarks on the media field. Nazeni Baghdasaryan is one of those deputies who was previously engaged in journalistic activities, furthermore, her mother is still engaged in media business. Nazeni Baghdasaryan goes beyond limits of politeness, she actually disrespected her…

The cameraman of “Novosti-Armenia” news agency was subjected to violence

Garik Abelyan, the cameraman of “Novosti-Armenia” news agency, was also subjected to violence during the police operation near the NSS building. Abelyan was first hit, after which he appeared on the ground, then one of the policemen stood in his hand, as a result of which his elbow was injured. The equipment belonging to the…

Authorities are using the police as a tool to silence journalists and freedom of expression

The journalists were subjected to violence by the police while implementing their professional work after Gagik Tsarukyan left the National Security Service (NSS) building. Thus, Gagik Tsarukyan’s press conference failed to take place, which meant that journalists were not able to carry out their professional activities, and the society was deprived of its opportunity to…

No positive articles were published on Hayk Marutyan

From 1 to 10 June, 2020, the “Media Advocate” initiative followed online media reports on the mayor of Yerevan, Hayk Marutyan’s personality and activities. 35 leading Armenian news agencies have been monitored. In the specified period, 113 articles were declared, 39 of which were negative and 74 were neutral. No positive articles were published on…

“Media Advocate” to reapply to the Corruption Prevention Commission.

On November 25, 2019, Prime Minister Nikօl Pashinyan posted an update on his Facebook page, where he mentioned addresses and telephone numbers of several organizations accepting scrap metal, and urged citizens to hand over scrap metal to those organizations. The Prime Minister noted that the unbroken frames of cars at all the mentioned addresses are…

Azatutyun presented the latest events related to Tsarukyan unilaterally

On June 14, during Sunday’s issue of Azatutyun TV, Hrayr Tamrazyan hosted a discussion with NA Vice-Speaker Alen Simonyan and Kotayk Governor Romanos Petrosyan regarding latest events over Prosperous Armenia Party (PAP) leader Gagik Tsarukyan. The guests shared the same opinion that the processes are exclusively legal and should not be politicized. The same ideas…

Harutyun Harutyunyan: The broadcasting of the 5th Channel is suspended in Artsakh, the reason is political

On June 1, the broadcasting of several TV channels in Artsakh was suspended. Artsakh President’s Spokesperson Vahram Poghosyan stated that the reason is technical, “Artsakhkap” is waiting for a device from France, and the broadcasting of the 5th Channel, A TV and Shoghakat will restart soon in Artsakh. The broadcast of the last two channels…

Various negative articles have been published Tigran Avinyan

From 1 to 10 June, 2020, the “Media Advocate” initiative followed online media reports on the RA Deputy Prime Minister, Commandant Tigran Avinyan’s personality and activities. 35 leading Armenian news agencies have been monitored. In the specified period, 702 articles were declared, 143 of which were negative, 1 was positive and 558 were neutral. Various…

“Media Advocate” initiative urges not to mock at the media

A Facebook post was published on Armday.am, according to which Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan’s wife Anna Hakobyan bought a private house in Canada. On the Facebook page of Armday.am website editor-in-chief Tatev Ayvazyan, Anna Hakobyan, referring to the article, noted: “It was very impressive 🙂 Some other media outlets even call and ask for comments,…

Arayik Harutyunyan remains in the center of criticism

From 21 to 31 May, 2020, the “Media Advocate” initiative followed online media reports on the Minister Arayik Harutyunyan’s personality and activities. 35 leading Armenian news agencies have been monitored. In the specified period, 737 articles were declared, 127 of which were negative, 9 were positive and 601 were neutral. Minister of Education, Science, Culture…

Positve articles prevail

From 21 to 31 May, 2020, the “Media Advocate” initiative followed online media reports on the Head of the “Hayrenik” party, former NSS Director Arthur Vanetsyan’s personality and activities. 35 leading Armenian news agencies have been monitored. In the specified period, 326 articles were declared, 18 of which were negative, 48 were positive and 261…

Eduard Aghajanyan made insulting remarks on media outlets

Eduard Aghajanyan, the Chief of Staff of the Prime Minister of the Republic of Armenia, made insulting remarks regarding media outlets on his Facebook page, going beyond borders of politeness. “Media Advocate” initiative considers such behavior of the state official and the chosen formulations unacceptable. Each individual has the right to demand a denying statement,…

No positive articles were published on Hayk Marutyan

From 21 to 31 May, 2020, the “Media Advocate” initiative followed online media reports on the mayor of Yerevan, Hayk Marutyan’s personality and activities. 35 leading Armenian news agencies have been monitored. In the specified period, 262 articles were declared, 82 of which were negative and 180 were neutral. No positive articles were published on…

Positive articles published on Tsarukyan prevail

From 21 to 31 May, 2020, the “Media Advocate” initiative followed online media reports on the Member of the National Assembly of the Republic of Armenia, Gagik Tsarukyan’s personality and activities. 35 leading Armenian news agencies have been monitored. In the specified period, 135 articles were declared, 6 of which were negative, 36 were positive…

No positive articles were published on Zohrab Mnatsakanyan

From 21 to 31 May, 2020, the “Media Advocate” initiative followed online media reports on the RA Minister of Foreign Affairs, Zohrab Mnatsakanyan’s personality and activities. 35 leading Armenian news agencies have been monitored. In the specified period, 166 articles were declared, 18 of which were negative and 148 were neutral. No positive articles were…

Arsen Torosyan is in the center of criticism

From 21 to 31 May, 2020, the “Media Advocate” initiative followed online media reports on the RA Minister of Health, Arsen Torosyan’s personality and activities. 35 leading Armenian news agencies have been monitored. In the specified period, 1509 articles were declared, 516 of which were negative, 3 were positive and 990 were neutral. Minister of…

Media Advocate Initiative: Obstructing the broadcasting of Armenian TV channels in the territory of the Artsakh Republic is an unacceptable and hazardous step

“Media Advocate” initiative alarms that the broadcasting of “5th Channel”, “Shoghakat”, “A-TV” and two other TV channels in the territory of the Artsakh Republic has been suspended. According to NKR President’s Spokesman Vahram Poghosyan, “the problem is purely of technical character. The case refers to 5 channels, three of which are Yerevan channels, the other…

“Media Advocate” wishes a speedy recovery to journalists

It is not a secret that the work of a journalist is one of the riskiest ones. After choosing this profession and starting a professional job, the journalist is at the forefront in every situation, be it the war or within the framework of the fight against coronavirus. During this time many journalists became infected…

“Media Advocate” urges to test all the journalists who have been in contact with the Prime Minister

Recently, the RA Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan announced that he and all his family members have tested positive for coronavirus. “Media Advocate” initiative wishes health to the Prime Minister, his family and all those infected. The Prime Minister has been active for the past 14 days, which, in fact, means that many journalists are currently…

No positive articles were published on Zaruhi Batoyan

From 21 to 31 May, 2020, the “Media Advocate” initiative followed online media reports on the Minister of Labor and Social Affairs Zaruhi Batoyan’s personality and activities. 35 leading Armenian news agencies have been monitored. In the specified period, 123 articles were declared, 49 of which were negative and 74 were neutral. No positive articles…

Negative articles were published on Nikol Pashinyan

From May 21 to 31, 2020, the “Media Advocate” Initiative followed online media reports on Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan’s personality and activities. 5 news agencies were monitored: 1in.am, azatutyun.am, armtimes.com, aravot.am and tert.am. According to the monitoring, 414 articles were published on 5 selected websites regarding Nikol Pashinyan. 49 articles of which are negative, 12…

We urge Alina Nikoghosyan to respect the activity of the media

Hetq news agency published an article referring to the story of a married couple infected with Covid 19. According to the published article, coronavirus-infected Arman Babajanyan, was hospitalized for 10 days, but was sent home leaving the treatment halfway. Referring to the article, Alina Nikoghosyan, spokesperson for the Ministry of Health, did not deny the…

The journalist of “Hraparak” daily was insulted

Journalist Koryun Simonyan contacted “Media Advocate” initiative, noting that after his article was published, Echmiadzin Deputy Mayor Arsen Petrosyan and Mayor Diana Gasparyan’s spokesperson Mariam Poghosyan made insulting remarks regarding him. “Media Advocate” initiative urges officials not to go beyond the limits of politeness, as well as not to insult journalists and to respect their…

No positive articles were published on Hayk Marutyan

From 11 to 20 May, 2020, the “Media Advocate” initiative followed online media reports on the mayor of Yerevan, Hayk Marutyan’s personality and activities. 35 leading Armenian news agencies have been monitored. In the specified period, 161 articles were declared, 52 of which were negative and 109 were neutral. No positive articles were published on…

The right to ask questions and receive answers from the Prime Minister is being restricted

According to the information spread by the Department for Information and Public Relations of the Prime Minister of Armenia: “Starting from May 26, Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan will regularly hold a briefing after the sittings of the Commandant’s Office, this time with the participation of Deputy Prime Minister, Commandant Tigran Avinyan and Minister of Health…

DDoS attack on News.am

News.am underwent a DDoS attack. Recently, such cyber attacks on the media outlets have become more frequent. “Media Advocate” initiative has repeatedly urged the authorities to be consistent in this matter and to reveal the attacking circles, but such issues have not even received a single response yet. It should be reminded that the protection…

Former Human Rights Defender makes unaddressed accusations

On his Facebook page, former RA Human Rights Defender Karen Andreasyan, referring to the recent events in the country, wrote: “The criminal remnants of the former authorities have initiated their last game; a new and disgusting one. They turn every small legal incident and every slip of the power into a nationwide mourning. That’s why…

Arayik Harutyunyan remains in the center of criticism

From 11 to 20 May, 2020, the “Media Advocate” initiative followed online media reports on the Minister Arayik Harutyunyan’s personality and activities. 35 leading Armenian news agencies have been monitored. In the specified period, 141 articles were declared, 38 of which were negative, 1 was positive and 102 were neutral. RA Minister of Education, Science,…

Authorities accept only the invitation of the Public Television

ArmNews TV host David Sargsyan posted an update on Facebook, expressing concern over the fact that the government deputies are refusing his invitation. In particular, he wrote: “Until recently, I managed to host at least one of you a week on my show, which often took a lot of efforts and time. As a rule,…

Lanzarote’s sensational convention was unilaterally covered by Public Television

The Public Television, unilaterally covered the sensational Lanzarote convention both within the framework of the “Public Discussion” and “Let’s Understand” programs. The airtime given to the guests was violated, besides, most of the guests were representatives of the government or supporters of the government’s ideas. On May 17, 4 out of 5 guests of Petros…

Negative articles prevail

From May 10 to 20, 2020, the “Media Advocate” Initiative followed online media reports on Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan’s personality and activities. 5 news agencies were monitored: 1in.am, news.am, armtimes.com, aravot.am and tert.am. According to the monitoring, 699 articles were published on 5 selected websites regarding Nikol Pashinyan. 131 articles of which are negative, 21…

The right to speak, to move and to be in opposition is being persecuted in Armenia

When gathered in support of Arthur Danielyan, supporters of the Adekvad Congregation Head Arthur Danielyan were detained on May 20, despite the fact that they were keeping the rules of a social distance. Such manifestations of power prove the fact that only dissidents and those who have contrary opinions are being persecuted and arrested. No…

“Media Advocate” sees a tendency to censor the air

On May 20, in the pavilion of “1in.am”, the chairman of the TRC (Television and Radio Commission) Tigran Hakobyan, referring to the new TRC law, made several remarks, which, according to him, solve some of the problems of the media sphere. According to the new law, the content of the broadcast will be regulated. The…

Numerous negative articles have been published on the activities of the Commandant’s Office

From 10 to 19 May, 2020, the “Media Advocate” initiative followed online media reports on the activities of the Commandant’s Office. 35 leading Armenian news agencies have been monitored. In the specified period, 224 articles were declared, 94 of which were negative, 4 were positive and 126 were neutral. Numerous negative articles have been published…

Styopa Safaryan blamed the TV companies, Petros Ghazaryan defended them

On May 19, Petros Ghazaryan’s guest on Public TV was the chairman of the Public Council Styopa Safaryan. The topic of discussion was the activity of the Public Council. Styopa Safaryan, referring to his remarks to Specialist on Azerbaijani studies Angela Elibegova, which were criticized by many public and political figures, including pro-government MPs, apologized…

Tigran Avinyan has been criticized

From 1 to 10 May, 2020, the “Media Advocate” initiative followed online media reports on the RA Deputy Prime Minister, Commandant Tigran Avinyan’s personality and activities. 35 leading Armenian news agencies have been monitored. In the specified period, 519 articles were declared, 38 of which were negative, 13 were positive and 468 were neutral. Tigran…

Ankakh.com has been hacked

Ankakh.com news agency has been hacked. The news outlet’s editorial office expressed concern over the situation and noted in a statement that the attack was purely of a political character: Vazgen Manukyan was targeted. “Media Advocate” initiative talked to the news agency’s editor-in-chief Varduhi Ishkhanyan. In her speech, Ms. Ishkhanyan mentioned that the incident took…

“Media Advocate” advises Minister Torosyan to follow his own advice

In March, after declaring a state of emergency in Armenia, many organizations expressed their support to the authorities. Among those organization one could find Hetq.am news agency. Realizing the seriousness of the moment, the news outlet tried to create a mapped database, which could later make the work of the ministry easier, as well as…

Petros Ghazaryan’s today’s guest was again representing the authorities

Petros Ghazaryan’s today’s guest was again representing the authorities. The interview with Armen Pambukhchyan, a member of the “My Step” fraction, focused on the recent fight occurred in the National Assembly, the law on confiscation of illegal property, the Artsakh issue and other domestic political issues. Petros Ghazaryan, in fact, voiced the main public’s concerns,…

Why do they reject Petros Ghazaryan’s invitation?

The controversial Lanzarote Convention (Council of Europe Convention on the Protection of Children against Sexual Exploitation and Sexual Abuse), which was ratified by the National Assembly on May 11, was discussed on May 17 on Public TV pavilion. Unfortunately, only unilateral opinions were voiced on the delicate issue of protecting our children from sexual abuse.…

More than twenty negative articles have been published on Arayik Harutyunyan

From 1 to 10 May, 2020, the “Media Advocate” initiative followed online media reports on the Minister Arayik Harutyunyan’s personality and activities. 35 leading Armenian news agencies have been monitored. In the specified period, 270 articles were declared, 24 of which were negative, 7 were positive and 239 were neutral. More than twenty negative articles…

Nikol Pashinyan labeled the media outlet

During his press conference, when answering the question of 168.am news agency, Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan labeled the news outlet, calling it the media outlet of the Republican authorities. “Media Advocate” initiative considers such an assessment of the news agency, unacceptable and urges to stop differentiating the news outlets. The vicious practice of dividing the…

Pressures and restrictions on media during the state of emergency

For two months now, Armenia has been in a state of emergency, which did not go smoothly for the media field as numerous restrictions and cases of pressure occurred which were regularly addressed by “Media Advocate” Initiative. A number of politicians, including Nikol Pashinyan, Arayik Harutyunyan, Mkhitar Hayrapetyan, Andranik Kocharyan, and Alen Simonyan, made unaddressed…

Negative articles on Zohrab Mnatsakanyan continue to prevail

From 1 to 10 May, 2020, the “Media Advocate” initiative followed online media reports on the RA Minister of Foreign Affairs, Zohrab Mnatsakanyan’s personality and activities. 35 leading Armenian news agencies have been monitored. In the specified period, 413 articles were declared, 55 of which were negative, 11 were positive and 347 were neutral. The…

Ararat Mirzoyan has been criticized

From 1 to 10 May, 2020, the “Media Advocate” initiative followed online media reports on the President of the National Assembly Ararat Mirzoyan’s personality and activities. 35 leading Armenian news agencies have been monitored. In the specified period, 454 articles were declared, 26 of which were negative, 16 were positive and 412 were neutral. RA…

Numerous negative articles were published on Arsen Torosyan

From 1 to 10 May, 2020, the “Media Advocate” initiative followed online media reports on the RA Minister of Health, Arsen Torosyan’s personality and activities. 35 leading Armenian news agencies have been monitored. In the specified period, 795 articles were declared, 166 of which were negative, 17 were positive and 612 were neutral. Numerous negative…

Mkhitar Hayrapetyan made an accusation against the media

RA NA Deputy Mkhitar Hayrapetyan made an accusation against the media during his today’s speech in the National Assembly. According to the deputy, under former government, several departments had partners who covered the work done by the officials and were paid for it. This is another unaddressed accusation made by the authorities and the representatives…

Alen Simonyan targets his former colleagues

During the NA sitting NA Deputy Speaker Alen Simonyan stated that the majority of mass media had turned into mass provocations, and even became a preparatory stage for opening the box of insults. He also accused the media of working with the help of fakes. In fact, Alen Simonyan targets his former colleagues and accuses…

Arman Babajanyan calls the journalists information terrorists

During the question and answer session with the Human Rights Defender Arman Tatoyan, NA Deputy Arman Babajanyan raised a question. In particular, Arman Babajanyan insisted in his speech that there is information terrorism and terror in Armenia. Furthermore, he claimed that one of the TV companies operating in the public multiplex uses impermissible vocabulary and…

No positive articles were published on Zaruhi Batoyan

From 1 to 10 May, 2020, the “Media Advocate” initiative followed online media reports on the Minister of Labor and Social Affairs Zaruhi Batoyan’s personality and activities. 35 leading Armenian news agencies have been monitored. In the specified period, 87 articles were declared, 7 of which were negative and 80 were neutral. No positive articles…

The Public Television biasedly presented the incident between Edmon Marukyan and Sasun Mikayelyan

On May 10, during Sunday Issue of the Public Television, there was an extensive reference to the incident between Edmon Marukyan and Sasun Mikaelyan occurred in the National Assembly. In about 10-minute report, the journalist presented a detailed information: from whom and how the incident started, the Marukyan-Tunyan backtalk, how Tunyan answered from his place,…

Andranik Kocharyan blames Edmon Marukyan and the media

During Azatutyun TV’s Sunday Issue, Andranik Kocharyan, a member of the “My Step” fraction, chairman of the NA Committee on Defense and Security, commented on the incident between Edmon Marukyan and Sasun Mikayelyan occurred in the National Assembly on Sunday, May 10. Kocharyan actually repeated the Prime Minister’s words, according to which Edmon Marukyan left…

Unilateral coverage of events by the NA Information Department

During the reference to the May 8 parliamentary events, the principles of comprehensive coverage were violated on the official website of the National Assembly. Thus, Edmon Marukyan’s speech is missing from the textual version of the website, and only one sentence states that Edmon Marukyan considered the case political. Instead, the words of the head…

We urge Andranik Kocharyan to refrain from showing personal dislikes

On May 8, during a question-and-answer session with journalists in the National Assembly, Andranik Kocharyan, in response to a question by RFE/RL’s Amenian Service reporter, related to Prime Minister’s statement that “the government is becoming a victim of every-day violence by Serzh Sargsyan and Kocharyan-related criminal gang and their parliamentary servants”, noted: “Prime Minister Pashinyan…

We urge to ensure the free operation of the media

According to Analitik.am news agency, a man who introduced himself as Sergey Barseghyan, Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan’s assistant Suzanna Barseghyan’s brother, called the Analitik.am editorial office 4-5 times in the morning of May 8. He demanded from the news outlet to reveal the name of the person who published an article on Suzanna Barseghyan, saying…

No positive articles were declared on Tigran Avinyan

From 21 to 30 April, 2020, the “Media Advocate” initiative followed online media reports on the RA Deputy Prime Minister, Commandant Tigran Avinyan’s personality and activities. 35 leading Armenian news agencies have been monitored. In the specified period, 593 articles were declared, 71 of which were negative and 522 were neutral. No positive articles were…

No positive articles were published on Arsen Torosyan

From 21 to 30 April, 2020, the “Media Advocate” initiative followed online media reports on the RA Minister of Health, Arsen Torosyan’s personality and activities. 35 leading Armenian news agencies have been monitored. In the specified period, 502 articles were declared, 48 of which were negative, 1 was positive and 453 were neutral. No positive…

Numerous negative articles were published on Zohrab Mnatsakanyan

From 21 to 30 April, 2020, the “Media Advocate” initiative followed online media reports on the RA Minister of Foreign Affairs, Zohrab Mnatsakanyan’s personality and activities. 35 leading Armenian news agencies have been monitored. In the specified period, 568 articles were declared, 100 of which were negative, 12 were positive and 456 were neutral. Numerous…

Arayik Harutunyan is being constantly criticized

From 21 to 30 April, 2020, the “Media Advocate” initiative followed online media reports on the Minister Arayik Harutyunyan’s personality and activities. 35 leading Armenian news agencies have been monitored. In the specified period, 366 articles were declared, 27 of which were negative, 3 were positive and 336 were neutral. RA Minister of Education, Science,…

Most of the articles published on Ararat Mirzoyan are negative

From 21 to 30 April, 2020, the “Media Advocate” initiative followed online media reports on the President of the National Assembly Ararat Mirzoyan’s personality and activities. 35 leading Armenian news agencies have been monitored. In the specified period, 230 articles were declared, 49 of which were negative, 13 were positive and 168 were neutral. Both…

Most of the articles published on Nikol Pashinyan are negative

From April 21 to 30, 2020, the “Media Advocate” Initiative followed online media reports on Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan’s personality and activities. 5 news agencies were monitored: 1in.am, news.am, armtimes.com, aravot.am and tert.am. According to the monitoring, 573 articles were published on 5 selected websites regarding Nikol Pashinyan. 150 articles of which are negative, 32…

The termination of the criminal case on the attack on “Hayeli” press club is the result of the atmosphere of impunity

The criminal case on the attack on “Hayeli” press club has been terminated, Angela Tovmasyan told us during a conversation with us. According to her, everything was clearly judged by the investigator’s questions, behavior, and how they were delaying the case: “I told them at that time that they have an instruction to procrastinate as…

“Media Advocate” urges to put an end to all methods of spreading hatred and violence

“Media Advocate” Initiative is loyal to its mission, which is to support the freedom of speech and condemn violence. Recently the campaign initiated in the country against freedom of speech, as well as hate speech and violence reached their top. During last 2 years, the society was split when a policy was adopted to divide…

Ashot Melikyan joins the Prime Minister’s accusations and does not name those guilty

Head of the Committee to Protect Freedom of Expression, Ashot Melikyan shares Prime Minister’s statement, according to which media used to take money from the authorities before. At the online press conference organized by “Media Center”, Melikyan, unfortunately, did not agree only with the announced numbers. It should be reminded that the Prime Minister said…

The Ministry of Justice has failed

On March 26, President Armen Sargsyan signed the legislative package to make the data of the state register free of charge for the media. According to the previous regulation, 3000 AMD state duty (excluding VAT) was charged for receiving information from the state register. This project was submitted to the National Assembly by the Ministry…

The Prime Minister’s Press Secretary continues to go beyond her powers

Despite the calls of “Media Advocate” Initiative not to interfere in the affairs of the judiciary, Prime Minister’s Press Secretary Mane Gevorgyan made another statement on her Facebook page, going beyond her powers and taking over the role of a judge. This time, too, she made unsubstantiated and unproven accusations against Armenia’s former Ambassador to…

 “Media Advocate” urges the Prime Minister’s Spokesperson not to take over the functions of the court

Nikol Pashinyan’s spokesperson Mane Gevorgyan, referring to the statement of Chairman of the Board of Directors of Ucom, Gurgen Khachatryan, that a direct and indirect demand was made to alienate Ucom with a non-profit offer at the level of high-ranking officials of the country, accompanied by public pressure, wrote the following on her Facebook page:…

A large number of negative articles were published on Hayk Marutyan

From 11 to 20 April, 2020, the “Media Advocate” initiative followed online media reports on the mayor of Yerevan, Hayk Marutyan’s personality and activities. 35 leading Armenian news agencies have been monitored. In the specified period, 153 articles were declared, 53 of which were negative, 2 were positive and 98 were neutral. A large number…

Large-scale campaign against the TV company

“Media Advocate” initiative expresses its concern following the Social Network discussions over the 5th channel. Some SM users demand that the TV station suspends its activity. According to the monitoring results, the public-political representatives claim that the campaign against the TV company is controlled by the authorities. “Media Advocate” initiative considers such a manifestation of…

Public Television is and has always been a toy of the authorities

After the changes that took place in the country in 2018, of course, there were personnel changes in the Public Television. The news service, in particular, changed two heads, each in their turn staffed the news service with its preferred personnel. Experienced and long-term staff were either fired or forced to leave “according to their…

“Media Advocate” urges ArmTV to be consistent with its employee

Publicly-funded Public Television journalist Gevorg Tosunyan, referred to lawyer Amram Makinyan’s Facebook post, where the latter noted that not addressing the issues mentioned in the “scandalous report” will directly confirm the hypothesis that the investigative body and the Public Television are controlled by the same center and have the same aim, that is, to do…

Numerous negative articles were published on Arsen Torosyan

From 11 to 20 April, 2020, the “Media Advocate” initiative followed online media reports on the RA Minister of Health, Arsen Torosyan’s personality and activities. 35 leading Armenian news agencies have been monitored. In the specified period, 509 articles were declared, 54 of which were negative, 4 were positive and 451 were neutral. Numerous negative…

Ararat Mirzoyan has been criticized

From 11 to 20 April, 2020, the “Media Advocate” initiative followed online media reports on the President of the National Assembly Ararat Mirzoyan’s personality and activities. 35 leading Armenian news agencies have been monitored. In the specified period, 291 articles were declared, 14 of which were negative, 1 was positive and 276 were neutral. The…

Failure to disclose the hacker attack on the Blognews.am website will mean that the government, with its inaction, at least contributes to the attacks on the media: Media Advocate Initiative

The editor-in-chief of Blognews.am news agency Konstantin Ter-Nakalyan wrote on his Facebook page that their website is undergoing a DDoS attack. “Media Advocate” initiative considers unacceptable any kind of attack on the media and urges the Armenian authorities and law enforcement bodies to restore the free and uninterrupted activity of the media outlet as soon…

Armenia’s new government had failed to reduce the media’s polarization

Reporters Without Borders has released its annual report, according to which Armenia ranks 61st out of 180 countries in terms of press freedom. The section of the report on Armenia is entitled “Diversity but not yet independence”. According to the international organization, the new government formed after the change of power in Armenia in 2018…

According to Alen Simonyan, 50% of media reports are false

RA NA Vice Speaker Alen Simonyan, in fact, continues NikolPashinyan’s practice of making unaddressed accusations regarding media. After the party’s session, Alen Simonyan accused 90% of the media outlets of making money by means of choosing “interesting headlines”. According to Alen Simonyan, 50% of publications are simply false. “Media Advocate” initiative urges Alen Simonyan, the…

Haykakan Zhamanak sets itself apart from the journalistic community

“Haykakan Zhamanak” (ArmTimes) daily belonging to Nikol Pashinyan’s family disseminated an information that Gegham Manukyan, head of Yerkir Media news and political programs and the 5th Channel director Harutyun Harutyunyan, organized the leak of the footage of the Prime Minister’s live message. It is noted in the article that Gegham Manukyan sent the footage to…

No positive articles were published on Arayik Harutyunyan

From 11 to 20 April, 2020, the “Media Advocate” initiative followed online media reports on the Minister Arayik Harutyunyan’s personality and activities. 35 leading Armenian news agencies have been monitored. In the specified period, 141 articles were declared, 47 of which were negative and 138 were neutral. No positive articles were published on ESCS Minister…

Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan has been making unaddressed accusations regarding media

Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan has been making unaddressed accusations regarding media for two consecutive days. He accuses the media outlets and journalists of writing articles by order and money. Besides being a moral blow, such allegations, also seriously damage the professional credit and business of the entire media field. “Media Advocate” initiative urges the RA…

The government is blaming journalists for its failures

Margarita Grigoryan, the executive director of the Public Television, has resigned, presenting her point on the happening. “Media Advocate” was following the developments related to this incident and finds important to note that the Prime Minister’s spokesperson Mane Gevorgyan blamed the Public TV for the incident, demanding clarification, while she did not admit her guilt.…

No positive articles were published on Zaruhi Batoyan

From 1 to 10 April, 2020, the “Media Advocate” initiative followed online media reports on the Minister of Labor and Social Affairs Zaruhi Batoyan’s personality and activities. 35 leading Armenian news agencies have been monitored. In the specified period, 210 articles were declared, 17 of which were negative and 193 were neutral. No positive articles…

We urge Pashinyan to publicize the names of the news outlets and journalists who received money

During his yesterday’s Facebook live RA Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan addressed several political issues, as well as referred to journalists: “How was the media field controlled? The 99 percent of the news outlets and 70 percent of journalists used to receive money from the authorities. Now they don’t receive money, as a result of which…

This law should not become a tool restricting the freedom of speech of the media

During the April 15 sitting of the National Assembly, the draft law on making additions to the RA Criminal Code was fully adopted in its second reading, with 97 votes in favor, 14 against and 0 abstentions. It provides criminal liability for public calls for violence, public justification of violence or propaganda or hate speech.…

Andranik Kocharyan is looking for Hraparak journalist

After yesterday’s meeting of the commission investigating the circumstances of the 2016 April War in the National Assembly, Andranik Kocharyan, in a conversation with journalists, got a bit angry when the journalist asked about his son’s avoidance of conscription. Kocharyan asked, “Which news outlet are you from?” The journalist answered “Yerevan Today”. Kocharyan replied, “It…

Politik.am news agency underwent a DDOS attack

“Media Advocate” initiative was informed that the work of Politik.am news website was temporarily stopped because of the DDOS attack. Specialists have been trying to restore the work of the news agency for several hours. We contacted editor-in-chief the news outlet, Boris Murazi, who told us that according to experts, the website was accessed from…

The Armenian government has an intention to bankrupt private TV companies: Media Advocate Initiative

On April 16, the National Assembly of the Republic of Armenia adopted the proposal of the Government to amend the Laws on Television and Radio and the Law on Advertising on the second reading. Unfortunately, the urgings and requests of the Armenian media did not have success, and the government, taking advantage of the declared…

“Media Advocate” urges Mane Gevorgyan to remain within the scope of her responsibilities

The statement of His Holiness Karekin II referred to the necessity to change the deterrence of the second President of the Republic of Armenia, Robert Kocharyan. In her comment on this statement, Mane Gevorgyan, the spokesperson of the Prime Minister, addressed Samvel Mayrapetyan. “Head of Information Systems of the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin, Father…

No positive articles were published on Alen Simonyan

“Media Advocate” initiative followed online media reports on the Vice-president of the National Assembly of the Republic of Armenia, Alen Simonyan’s personality and activities. 35 leading Armenian news agencies have been monitored. 73 articles were declared, 4 of which were negative and 69 were neutral. No positive articles were published on NA Vice Speaker Alen…

Public TV violated the presumption of innocence of Arthur Gevorgyan

Arthur Gevorgyan, a former member of the National Assembly, claims that he was informed from the press about the accusation and about declared wanted. He gave an interview to the 5th channel during which he presented his point of view. He accused the Public Television of spreading misinformation. “It was not appropriate for Public TV…

Both positive and negative articles were published on Arayik Harutyunyan

From 1 to 10 April, 2020, the “Media Advocate” initiative followed online media reports on the Minister Arayik Harutyunyan’s personality and activities. 35 leading Armenian news agencies have been monitored. In the specified period, 141 articles were declared, 8 of which were negative, 14 were positive and 119 were neutral. Both positive and negative articles…

Administrative proceedings have been initiated against Pastinfo.am: the head of the news outlet describes it as nonsense

“Media Advocate” initiative was informed that the police had initiated proceedings against the Pastinfo news agency in relation with the following article published on March 11: “100 employees should be isolated in Martuni hospital, which means nothing but closing the hospital: Infoport.” In a conversation with us, the head of the news agency Sona Truzyan…

More than 50% of the articles published on Hayk Marutyan are negative

From 1 to 10 April, 2020, the “Media Advocate” initiative followed online media reports on the mayor of Yerevan, Hayk Marutyan’s personality and activities. 35 leading Armenian news agencies have been monitored. In the specified period, 239 articles were declared, 140 of which were negative, 1 was positive and 98 were neutral. More than 50…

We stop monitoring the work of the Commandant’s office with the media outlets

“Media Advocate” initiative states: “After the government’s decision to prolong the state of emergency, the restrictions on media will be lifted. Therefore, we will stop its intensive monitoring of the work of the Commandant’s office with the media outlets. We hope that this situation will be continuous, and will not be of a fictitious nature,…

April 12, Monitoring Results of Media Activity Restrictions in an Emergency Situation

Օn April 12, “Media Advocate” Initiative monitored the work of the Commandant’s office with the media in emergency situation. “Media Advocate” Initiative also highlighted the articles on the coronavirus and coronavirus-related issues appearing in the media on April 12. As a result of today’s monitoring, the featured articles were reviewed and no removed publications were…

April 11, Monitoring Results of Media Activity Restrictions in an Emergency Situation

Օn April 11, “Media Advocate” Initiative monitored the work of the Commandant’s office with the media in emergency situation. “Media Advocate” Initiative also highlighted the articles on the coronavirus and coronavirus-related issues appearing in the media on April 11. As a result of today’s monitoring, the featured articles were reviewed and no removed publications were…

April 10, Monitoring Results of Media Activity Restrictions in an Emergency Situation

Օn April 10, “Media Advocate” Initiative monitored the work of the Commandant’s office with the media in emergency situation. “Media Advocate” Initiative also highlighted the articles on the coronavirus and coronavirus-related issues appearing in the media on April 10. As a result of today’s monitoring, the featured articles were reviewed and no removed publications were…

April 9, Monitoring Results of Media Activity Restrictions in an Emergency Situation

Օn April 9, “Media Advocate” Initiative monitored the work of the Commandant’s office with the media in emergency situation. “Media Advocate” Initiative also highlighted the articles on the coronavirus and coronavirus-related issues appearing in the media on April 9. As a result of today’s monitoring, the featured articles were reviewed and no removed publications were…

We urge the deputies of the National Assembly to vote against this bill

A draft amendment to the RA Law on Freedom of Information has been submitted, which was developed by the Ministry of Environment. According to the version presented on e-draft, there should have been information restrictions on information on special kinds of breeding sites, but as it turned out later, what was presented online and what…

April 8, Monitoring Results of Media Activity Restrictions in an Emergency Situation

Օn April 8, “Media Advocate” Initiative monitored the work of the Commandant’s office with the media in emergency situation. “Media Advocate” Initiative also highlighted the articles on the coronavirus and coronavirus-related issues appearing in the media on April 8. As a result of today’s monitoring, the featured articles were reviewed and no removed publications were…

 “Media Advocate” hopes that the authorities will not listen to Levon Ter-Petrosyan’s calls

The first President of the Republic of Armenia Levon Ter-Petrosyan published an article, where he, particularly, noted: “While the authorities are engaged in almost everyday hard work, a huge army of unappreciated geniuses, provocateurs and malevolents, with countless media outlets and hundreds of fake accounts controlled by well-known forces, has in fact opened up a…

April 7, Monitoring Results of Media Activity Restrictions in an Emergency Situation

Օn April 7, “Media Advocate” Initiative monitored the work of the Commandant’s office with the media in emergency situation. “Media Advocate” Initiative also highlighted the articles on the coronavirus and coronavirus-related issues appearing in the media on April 7. As a result of today’s monitoring, the featured articles were reviewed and no removed publications were…

The media was unfairly accused of disseminating fake news

168.am published an article entitled “The National Assembly Members were again given a bonus.” Hovhannes Hovhannisyan and Babken Tunyan, deputies from the “My Step” fraction, tried to deny as they posted denying updates on their Facebook pages. They accused the media of disseminating fake news, but according to the K-56-A decision adopted by the National Assembly on…

April 6, Monitoring Results of Media Activity Restrictions in an Emergency Situation

Օn April 6, “Media Advocate” Initiative monitored the work of the Commandant’s office with the media in emergency situation. The “COVID-19 Armenia” fact-finding group has issued a statement: “We think that during the state of emergency established within the framework of the acts against coronavirus, it is necessary to ensure the principle of legality, to…

April 5, Monitoring Results of Media Activity Restrictions in an Emergency Situation

Օn April 5, “Media Advocate” Initiative monitored the work of the Commandant’s office with the media in emergency situation. According to Facebook users and news reports, the activity of Joni Brjoni, a user who recently became known on the Social Networks, is actually instructed by the authorities in order to divert the public’s attention from…

April 4, Monitoring Results of Media Activity Restrictions in an Emergency Situation

Օn April 4, “Media Advocate” Initiative monitored the work of the Commandant’s office with the media in emergency situation. The system of fixing the movement of citizens and the range of phone calls in order to detect those infected with coronavirus is not yet fully ready, – stated Nikol Pashinyan’s spokesperson Mane Gevorgyan. She expressed…

Summary of the observation mission of the Artsakh general elections

Based on the results of the observation mission of the General Elections held in the Republic of Artsakh, which I carried out as a short-term observer from the “Media Advocate” initiative, I can confidently state and summarize the following: These nationwide elections have been unprecedented in many of their manifestations and have become a real…

April 3, Monitoring Results of Media Activity Restrictions in an Emergency Situation

Օn April 3, “Media Advocate” Initiative monitored the work of the Commandant’s office with the media in emergency situation. Human Rights Watch Deputy Director for the Europe and Central Asia Division, Giorgi Gogia referring to the amendments to the Law on the Legal Regime of the State of Emergency and the Law on Electronic Communications,…

RFE/RL’s Infographic

Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty’s Armenian Service has introduced an infographic on coronavirus in Armenia, reflecting the number of people infected by days. This infographic contained obvious manipulations. At first glance, the infection curve was downward, and there was an impression that the number of infected people was gradually decreasing, while, vice versa, the numbers of…

It is enough to set up Signal 😬))

The draft law on the control of telephone conversations, which was adopted in the first reading, and failed in the second, as a result of which, the government officials convened an extraordinary session without opposition representatives, evoked panic among the authorities themselves. They are actively setting up Signal, even though they were assuring citizens that…

Questions raised by media are ignored

As a result of Coronavirus outbreak, reporters send their questions online in order them to be raised during the press conferences of government officials. According to the set rules, these questions should be raised, but we have a situation where questions raised by several media outlets are actually ignored. Lurer.com, Hraparak.am, Antifake.am, Analitik.am, Goris Today,…

The Commandant’s Office ignores the issues raised by the media, dividing them into insiders and outsiders: “Media Advocate” Initiative

In a state of emergency, the Commandant’s Office had set rules for the game and had promised to respond to questions of media sent online has not responded to antifake.am’s questions for the second time in a row. Numerous attempts to attract attention and raise questions by the same news agency have been also ignored…

April 2, Monitoring Results of Media Activity Restrictions in an Emergency Situation

Օn April 2, “Media Advocate” Initiative monitored the work of the Commandant’s office with the media in emergency situation. A number of NGOs have issued a statement on the adoption of the Law on Electronic Communication which envisages the collection of movement, calls and SMS data of customers receiving public electronic communications services. The statement…

The Government tries to push through the law taking advantage of the situation

Today, the Government of the Republic of Armenia by the suggestion of the Minister of Environment, decided to amend the Law on Freedom of Information, according to which the provision of information may be denied under certain conditions. Some remarks and facts related to this decision are as follows: – It was included in the…

April 1, Monitoring Results of Media Activity Restrictions in an Emergency Situation

Օn April 1, “Media Advocate” Initiative monitored the work of the Commandant’s office with the media in emergency situation. Hraparak daily reported that following one of the articles published on March 31, police launched an administrative case against the newspaper. “The golden age of the authorities has come; they ca impose great financial penalties on…

A journalist was hit in the Artsakh polling station

A journalist of the LuysPress.am Information Analytical Center was hit by some individuals at the 7/1 polling station in Shushi. Following the incident a report was submitted to the police on the matter of aggressive behavior, violence, assault, and obstruction. “Media Advocate” urges the police to be consistent and to punish the perpetrators in accordance…

“Media Advocate” urges the authorities not to use the epidemic for political purposes

The National Assembly adopted the Draft Law on Amendments to the RA Law on Legal Regime of State of Emergency and the Law on Electronic Communication with 71 votes in favor.According to this project, in emergency state, the movement, calls and SMS data of individual citizens using telecommunications operators, will be collected and may be…

March 31, Monitoring Results of Media Activity Restrictions in an Emergency Situation

Օn March 31, “Media Advocate” Initiative monitored the work of the Commandant’s office with the media in emergency situation. The National Assembly with 69 for and one abstention.passed the draft law on fixing the phone calls of coronavirus-infected individuals in order to find the people they had contacts with as soon as possible. It should…

AntiFake.am’s questions were not voiced during Avinyan’s press conference

Editor-in-chief of Antifake.am news agency, Astghik Matevosyan reports that, Antifake.am’s questions sent online were not voiced during Commandant Tigran Avinyan’s press conference. She also appealed to “Media Advocate” initiative to be consistent with this issue. We recorded that Hraparak.am had the same problem. The news outlet, in particular asked several questions to Tigran Avinyan, one…

 “Media Advocate” will observe the Artsakh general elections

Today is a day of silence in Artsakh, which means that the pre-election campaign is forbidden. Tomorrow the presidential and National Assembly elections will be held. 14 presidential candidates will participate in the elections. The number of participants in the parliamentary election is unprecedented as well- 10 parties and 2 alliances, with a total of…

“Media Advocate” Initiative condemns the existence of such a project

The National Assembly in the first reading, with 57 for, 24 against and 1 abstention, adopted the Draft Laws on Amendments to the RA Law on Legal Regime of State of Emergency and the Law on Electronic Communication. According to the draft law, the customer’s location will be found out through the operator used by…

March 30, Monitoring Results of Media Activity Restrictions in an Emergency Situation

Օn March 30, “Media Advocate” Initiative monitored the work of the Commandant’s office with the media in emergency situation. The National Assembly in the first reading, with 57 for, 24 against and 1 abstention, adopted the Draft Laws on Amendments to the RA Law on Legal Regime of State of Emergency and the Law on…

Where and when will journalists and observers be tested? The Commandant’s Office is unorganized

Only a day is left for the Artsakh elections, but the Commandant’s Office has no clear information on how and where they will test against the coronavirus, what kind of checks will be carried out at the border checkpoint, whether they refer only to observers or journalists. The Commandant’s Office is unorganized; they do not…

March 29, Monitoring Results of Media Activity Restrictions in an Emergency Situation

Օn March 29, “Media Advocate” Initiative monitored the work of the Commandant’s office with the media in emergency situation. Journalist Vahe Davtyan posted an update on his Facebook page according to which there are four new cases of a new type of Coronavirus infection in Meghri and added that the ones who had contacts with…

March 28, Monitoring Results of Media Activity Restrictions in an Emergency Situation

Օn March 28, “Media Advocate” Initiative monitored the work of the Commandant’s office with the media in emergency situation. The Commandant’s Office has denied the news published by Operativ.am, according to which 3 people had died in Armenia because of Coronavirus. They stated that such news is based only on assumptions and noted that the…

ATTENTION TO THOSE CONDUCTING OBSERVATION MISSION

“Media Advocate” initiative of the Armenian Center for Political and International Studies (ACPIS) NGO received accreditation for conducting an observation mission during Artsakh elections scheduled for March 31. Considering the situation caused by the new type of coronavirus and restrictions established by the Commandant’s Office, as well as our commitment to ensure a proper observation…

March 27, Monitoring Results of Media Activity Restrictions in an Emergency Situation

Օn March 27, “Media Advocate” Initiative monitored the work of the Commandant’s office with the media in emergency situation. According to editor-in-chief of Politik.am news agency, Boris Murazi, he received a call from Prime Minister’s spokesperson Mane Gevorgyan after they published information that a 70-year-old man who died in Gyumri, was suspected to have coronavirus.…

March 26, Monitoring Results of Media Activity Restrictions in an Emergency Situation

Օn March 26, “Media Advocate” Initiative monitored the work of the Commandant’s office with the media in emergency situation. “Media Advocate” Initiative collected all the coronavirus-related materials and summarized the results of the monitoring. When conducting its research, the Initiative noticed that the speech of the Director-General of the World Health Organization Adhanom Ghebreyesus was…

Public Television Company decides whether to broadcast the news or not

During its yesterday’s broadcasts’ Public Television reported that changes had been made to the provisions on media activity, in particular, when airing programs without official information, the media outlets should publish the refutation or clarification provided by the Commandant’s Office within two hours. In the headlines of the materials copied from foreign media on the…

Print media activity is terminated

“Media Advocate” Initiative was informed that by the decision of the Commander’s Office, the print media activity was terminated. It is understandable that coronavirus is spreading rapidly and this step is aimed at preventing the spread of the virus, but given the methods used against the media, one may have an impression that the only…

In times of crisis the government is creating a new crisis for television companies

The draft law on amending and supplementing the RA Law on Television and Radio was adopted by the National Assembly in the first reading. As a result, Public Television was given the opportunity to broadcast commercial advertising. Thus, many private television companies that are not state- funded will undergo a crisis. Public TV receives $…

March 25, Monitoring Results of Media Activity Restrictions in an Emergency Situation

Օn March 25, “Media Advocate” Initiative monitored the work of the Commandant’s office with the media in emergency situation. Head of the Department for Drafting Anti-Corruption and Penitentiary Policies of the Ministry of Justice of the Republic of Armenia, Arpine Sargsyan speaking at a press conference at the government, noted: “We did not exclude cases…

 The media platform of the Commandant’s Office failed to work together

“Public Relations and Information Center” (PRIC) State Non-Commercial Organization (SNCO) head Hovhannes Movsisyan wrote on his Facebook page that it is not mandatory for journalists to fill out a special form if they carry a badge with them. “Media Advocate” Initiative states that the media platform of the Commandant’s Office failed to cooperate and work…

March 24, Monitoring Results of Media Activity Restrictions in an Emergency Situation

Օn March 24, “Media Advocate” Initiative monitored the work of the Commandant’s office with the media in emergency situation. According to press reports, Press Stands will be closed from March 25. Representatives of the print media consider this as an attempt to silence the print media. On March 24, Prime Minister’s spokesperson Mane Gevorgyan stated…

March 23, Monitoring Results of Media Activity Restrictions in an Emergency Situation

Օn March 23, “Media Advocate” Initiative monitored the work of the Commandant’s office with the media in emergency situation. Responding to Hetq journalist’s questions, Deputy Chief of Police Hayk Mhryan noted that police departments had worked with 22 media outlets, urging them to remove information that was inconsistent with demands of the government in particular…

Incident occurred between Gagik Tsarukyan and journalists

When conducting its monitoring “Media Advocate” Initiative noticed an incident which occurred between Prosperous Armenia Party (PAP) leader Gagik Tsarukyan and the journalists during a briefing. The journalist asked Gagik Tsarukyan whether he is going pay the employees for a forced outage. The PAP leader insulted the journalist, saying; “Girl, how long you may make…

Media restrictions may be abolished

n March 22, Petros Ghazaryan hosted Deputy Prime Minister Tigran Avinyan in Public Television’s pavilion. Referring to the media restrictions, Petros Ghazaryan noted that they are not really effective, to which Tigran Avinyan responded that there is be a possibility that the media restrictions are abolished after a short period of time. Again, we are…

March 22, Monitoring Results of Media Activity Restrictions in an Emergency Situation

Օn March 22, “Media Advocate” Initiative monitored the work of the Commandant’s office with the media in emergency situation. Summarizing the March 22 data, “Media Advocate” Initiative reports that during the day the Commandant’s Office did not apply to the media outlets with the demand to remove any of the materials published. “Media Advocate” initiative…

March 21, Monitoring Results of Media Activity Restrictions in an Emergency Situation

Օn March 21, “Media Advocate” Initiative monitored the work of the Commandant’s office with the media in emergency situation. The Commandant’s Office continues demanding from media outlets and Facebook users to remove certain publications. Petros Ghazaryan, head of the Public Television’s news and analytical service, responded to Aravot.am query, noting that police had instructed to…

March 20, Monitoring Results of Media Activity Restrictions in an Emergency Situation

On March 20, “Media Advocate” Initiative monitored the work of the Commandant’s office in emergency situation. According to press publications, a number of media outlets and Facebook users were instructed to remove the published material. According to the editor-in-chief of Tert.am, Aram Antinyan, they were forced to delete a publication, where Hollywood actor Idris Elba…

“Media Advocate” Initiative starts monitoring of restriction cases of media activity and censorship conducted by the Commandant’s Office

In a state of emergency, “Media Advocate” Initiative starts monitoring of restriction cases of media activity and censorship conducted by the Commandant’s Office. Freedom of speech and the free operation of the media are two of the most important values ​​of modern societies, and they must be protected at all costs. As a result of…

In a state of emergency, restrictions are natural, but they should be reasonable

National Assembly deputy Vahagn Tevosyan expressed a concern on his Facebook page related to the fact that media editors are sending out a long query to the Commandant’s Office which is currently working in overstrained conditions. Mentioning a few points what journalists should do, Vahagn Tevosyan demanded from them not to bother them in case…

Many negative articles were published on ESCS Minister

From 1 to 10 March, 2020, the “Media Advocate” initiative followed online media reports on the Minister Arayik Harutyunyan’s personality and activities. 35 leading Armenian news agencies have been monitored. In the specified period, 403 articles were declared, 57 of which were negative, 11 were positive and 335 were neutral. Many negative articles were published…

Many negative articles were published on ESCS Minister

From 1 to 10 March, 2020, the “Media Advocate” initiative followed online media reports on the Minister Arayik Harutyunyan’s personality and activities. 35 leading Armenian news agencies have been monitored. In the specified period, 403 articles were declared, 57 of which were negative, 11 were positive and 335 were neutral. Many negative articles were published…

“Media Advocate” fully shares the concerns expressed in the statement of the Journalists’ Union of Armenia and media editors

“Media Advocate” fully shares the concerns expressed in the statement of the Journalists’ Union of Armenia and media editors as well as urges commandant Avinyan to clarify the proposed questions as soon as possible. Considering the international experience of operating in a state of emergency, “Media Advocate” Initiative believes that the Commandant’s office and the…

Paid advertisement aired on Public Television will be destructive for private TV companies

“Media Advocate” Initiative states that it fully shares the concern of Prosperous Armenia Party MP Iveta Tonoyan presented during the sitting of the Standing Committee on Science, Education, Culture, Diaspora, Youth and Sport of the National Assembly. According to it, the paid advertisement aired on Public Television will be destructive for private TV companies. Iveta…

RSF criticizes restriction on freedom of information in Armenia

Reporters Without Borders (RSF) has criticized on Twitter the Armenian government’s decision to place restrictions on information posts. On March 16, RSF posted: “Armenia declares state of emergency and compels media to quote only official sources. Controlling infos doesn’t help to fight epidemia but spread rumors and fear!” As of March 18, the official website of…

Many negative articles were published on Yerevan Mayor Hayk Marutyan

From 1 to 10 March, 2020, the “Media Advocate” initiative followed online media reports on the mayor of Yerevan, Hayk Marutyan’s personality and activities. 35 leading Armenian news agencies have been monitored. In the specified period, 150 articles were declared, 62 of which were negative, 1 was positive and 87 were neutral. Many negative articles…

On March 16, Public Television Allocated 38 Seconds to the Topic of the Constitutional Referendum

Օn March 16, the Public Television of Armenia, operating at the expense of taxpayers, allocated 38 seconds to the topic of the constitutional referendum․ Only neutral information was presented. During a special session of the National Assembly, Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan stated: “In a state of emergency, a referendum can not take place. It will…

“Media Advocate” Met with ARF Supreme Body Member Artsvik Minasyan

“Media Advocate” Initiative continues series of meetings within the framework of its observation mission of the April 5 referendum on amendments to the RA Constitution. This time “Media Advocate” met with Artsvik Minasyan, a member of the Armenian Revolutionary Federation (ARF) Supreme Body of Armenia. Issues related to campaign and the forthcoming referendum were discussed.…

ESCS Minister goes beyond borders: “Media Advocate” urges not to label journalists

The news spread that Tatevik Revazyan had traveled to Denmark to deliver her baby as it is safer there. One could find no insult in the article. Tatevik Revazyan, herself, also responded to the article. Minister Arayik Harutyunyan, however, called the author of the article ignorant. We urge Arayik Harutyunyan not to go beyond the…

On March 15, Public Television Allocated 6 Minutes 10 Seconds to the Topic of the Constitutional Referendum

On March 15, the Public Television of Armenia, operating at the expense of taxpayers, allocated 6 minutes 10 seconds to the topic of the constitutional referendum, 1 minute of which was allocated to the supporters of the “NO” campaign, 1 minute to the “YES” supporters and 4 minutes 10 seconds were neutral remarks. The Public…

On March 14, Public Television Allocated 7 Minutes 10 Seconds to the Topic of the Constitutional Referendum

On March 14, the Public Television of Armenia, operating at the expense of taxpayers, allocated 7 minutes 10 seconds to the topic of the constitutional referendum, 1 minute of  which was allocated to the supporters of the “NO” campaign, 1 minute to the “YES” supporters and 5 minutes 10 seconds were neutral remarks. The Public…

On March 13, Public Television Allocated 6 Minutes 20 Seconds to the Topic of the Constitutional Referendum

On March 13, the Public Television of Armenia, operating at the expense of taxpayers, allocated 6 minutes 20 seconds to the topic of the constitutional referendum, 1 minute of  which was allocated to the supporters of the “NO” campaign, 1 minute to the “YES” supporters and 4 minutes 20 seconds were neutral remarks. The Public…

On March 12, Public Television Allocated 21 Minutes 30 Seconds to the “YES” headquarters and 10 minutes 40 seconds to the “NO” campaign side

On March 12, the Public Television of Armenia, operating at the expense of taxpayers, allocated 35 minutes 10 seconds to the topic of the constitutional referendum, 10 minute 40 seconds of which were allocated to the supporters of the “NO” campaign, 21 minutes 30 seconds to the “YES” supporters, and 3 minutes were neutral remarks.…

During the third week of the referendum campaign, the Public Television of Armenia allocated twice as much time to the “Yes” campaign as to the “NO”

From March 5 to March 11, 2020, the Public Television of Armenia allocated 193 minutes 51 seconds of its air to the topic of the constitutional referendum, 53 minutes 8 seconds of which were allocated to the “NO” campaign, 109 minutes 35 seconds to the “YES” campaign and 31 minutes 8 seconds were neutral remarks.…

“Media Advocate” met with Bright Armenia Party MPs

“Media Advocate” Initiative conducts a series of meetings within the framework of its observation mission of the April 5 referendum on amendments to the RA Constitution. This time “Media Advocate” met with Bright Armenia Party MPs Ani Samsonyan and Gevorg Gorgisyan. The deputies presented their views on the referendum. “Media Advcoate” in its turn presented…

On March 11, Public Television Allocated 42 Minutes to the “YES” headquarters and 22 minutes 22 seconds to the “NO” campaign side

On March 11, the Public Television of Armenia, operating at the expense of taxpayers, allocated 91 minutes 27 seconds to the topic of the constitutional referendum, 22 minute 22 seconds of which were allocated to the supporters of the “NO” campaign, 42 minutes to the “YES” supporters, 27 minutes 5 seconds were neutral remarks. The…

Armen Tavadyan was released

5th Channel owner Armen Tavadyan was released from the National Security Service’s isolation cell yesterday by a decision of the Court of Appeals. In fact, it took 79 days to realize that Tavadyan had nothing to do with the indictment and that the lawyers assertion, according to which case is fake, corresponds to reality. In…

“Media Advocate” met with RPA Vice President Armen Ashotyan

As we have already informed, “Media Advocate” Initiative conducts a series of meetings within the framework of its observation mission of the April 5 referendum on amendments to the RA Constitution. This time “Media Advocate” met with Armen Ashotyan, Vice President of the Republican Party of Armenia (RPA). The RPA Vice President informed about their…

“Media Advocate” met with Ara Hakobyan, Chairman of the National Agenda Party Board

As we have already informed, “Media Advocate” Initiative conducts a series of meetings within the framework of its observation mission of the April 5 referendum on amendments to the RA Constitution. “Media Advocate” met with Ara Hakobyan, Chairman of the Board of the National Agenda Party. “Media Advocate” Initiative presented its observations on the campaign.…

On March 10, Public Television Allocated 27 Minutes to the “YES” headquarters and 13 minutes 5 seconds to the “NO” campaign side

On March 10, the Public Television of Armenia, operating at the expense of taxpayers, allocated 40 minutes 25 seconds to the topic of the constitutional referendum, 13 minute 5 seconds of which were allocated to the supporters of the “NO” campaign, 27 minutes 20 seconds to the “YES” supporters, no neutral remarks were presented. The…

On March 9, Public Television Allocated 33 Minutes to the “YES” headquarters and 2 minutes 46 seconds to the “NO” campaign side

On March 9, the Public Television of Armenia, operating at the expense of taxpayers, allocated 27 minutes 39 seconds to the topic of the constitutional referendum, 2 minute 46 seconds of which were allocated to the supporters of the “NO” campaign, 23 minutes to the “YES” supporters, and 1 minutes 53 seconds neutral remarks were…

“Media Advocate” met the coordinator of “No” campaign side Ruben Melikyan

“Media Advocate” Initiative conducted a meeting with the coordinator of “No” campaign side, human rights activist Ruben Melikyan. During the meeting Melikyan presented the principles of the campaign activities. He informed that they cooperate with the various political and public forces opposing the referendum. At the same time, the focus of the group of lawyers is…

“Media Advocate” Initiated Series of Meetings within the framework of April 5 Constitutional Referendum Campaign

Satik Seyranyan, President of the Union of Journalists, highlighted the importance of media impartiality and comprehensive media coverage during this pre-election period. She also expressed concern about the possible dangers of criminalizing hate speech. In fact, it may be used against freedom of speech. The president of the Union of Journalists noted that they are…

On March 8, Public Television Allocated 3 Minutes 20 Seconds to the Topic of the Constitutional Referendum

On March 8, the Public Television of Armenia, operating at the expense of taxpayers, allocated 3 minutes 20 seconds to the topic of the constitutional referendum, 1 minute 5 seconds of which were allocated to the supporters of the “NO” campaign, 2 minutes 15 seconds to the “YES” supporters, no neutral remarks were presented. The…

On March 7, Public Television Allocated 13 Minutes 5 Seconds to the Topic of the Constitutional Referendum

On March 7, the Public Television of Armenia, operating at the expense of taxpayers, allocated 13 minutes 5 seconds to the topic of the constitutional referendum, 7 minutes 40 seconds of which were allocated to the supporters of the “NO” campaign, 5 minutes 25 seconds to the “YES” supporters, no neutral remarks were presented. The Public…

On March 6, Public Television Allocated 15 Minutes 40 Seconds to the Topic of the Constitutional Referendum

On March 6, the Public Television of Armenia, operating at the expense of taxpayers, allocated 15 minutes 40 seconds to the topic of the constitutional referendum, 5 minutes of which were allocated to the supporters of the “NO” campaign, 8 minutes 30 seconds to the “YES” supporters, 2 minutes 10 seconds were neutral remarks. The…

“Media Advocate” Initiative: Artsakh Republic presidential candidate Masis Mayilyan and his supporters hindered media activity

On March 6, during the Askeran meeting with the Artsakh Republic presidential candidate Masis Mayilyan, and the leader of the “United Homeland” Party Samvel Babayan, an incident occurred which may cast a shadow over the free and democratic nature of the presidential election campaign currently being conducted in Artsakh. Presidential candidate Masis Mayilyan and his…

Negative articles were published on Arsen Torosyan

From 21 to 29 February, 2020, the “Media Advocate” initiative followed online media reports on the RA Minister of Health, Arsen Torosyan’s personality and activities. 35 leading Armenian news agencies have been monitored. In the specified period, 534 articles were declared, 186 of which were negative, 9 were positive and 339 were neutral. Numerous negative…

On March 5, Public Television Allocated 2 Minutes 15 Seconds to the Topic of the Constitutional Referendum

On March 5, the Public Television of Armenia, operating at the expense of taxpayers, allocated 2 minutes 15 seconds to the topic of the constitutional referendum, 1 minute 10 seconds of which were allocated to the supporters of the “NO” campaign, 1 minutes 5 seconds to the “YES” supporters: no neutral remarks were presented. The…

“Media Advocate” to carry out observation mission during Artsakh general elections scheduled on March 31

For the first time in Artsakh the public will elect the President and the Speaker of the National Assembly on the same day. “Media Advocate” applied to the Central Electoral Commission (CEC) and received accreditation for conducting an observation mission. We would like to inform you that our team will observe the parliamentary and presidential…

“Media Advocate” Initiative: Public TV’s Working Style is a Matter od Concern as for the Second Consecutive Week, Public Television Continues Allocating More Airtime to the “YES” Campaign

From February 24 to March 4, 2020, the Public Television of Armenia, operating at the expense of taxpayers allocated 160 minutes 16 seconds of its air to the topic of the constitutional referendum, 19 minutes 45 seconds of which were allocated to the “NO” campaign, 38 minutes 41 seconds to the “YES” campaign and 101…

On March 4, Public Television Allocated 6 Minutes 20 Seconds to the Topic of the Constitutional Referendum

On March 4, the Public Television of Armenia, operating at the expense of taxpayers, allocated 6 minutes 20 seconds to the topic of the constitutional referendum, 1 minute 5 seconds of which were allocated to the supporters of the “NO” campaign, 5 minutes 15 seconds to the “YES” supporters: no neutral remarks were presented. The…

On March 3, Public Television Allocated 11 Minutes 20 Seconds to the Topic of the Constitutional Referendum

On March 3, the Public Television of Armenia, operating at the expense of taxpayers, allocated 11 minutes 20 seconds to the topic of the constitutional referendum, 3 minute 45 seconds of which were allocated to the supporters of the “NO” campaign, 2 minutes to the “YES” supporters and 5 minutes 35 seconds were neutral remarks.…

Dean of YSU Faculty of Physics Threatens Free Speech and Free Media Activity: “Media Advocate” Initiative

Rafik Hakobyan, Dean of the Faculty of Physics at Yerevan State University, publicly calls for “cleansing of the judicial system” and then “cleansing of the fourth estate.” We draw the attention of the Minister of Education, Science, Culture and Sports, the Chairman of YSU Board of Trustees and the Acting Rector of YSU to the…

Negative articles published on ESCS Minister prevail

From 11 to 20 February, 2020, the “Media Advocate” initiative followed online media reports on the Minister Arayik Harutyunyan’s personality and activities. 35 leading Armenian news agencies have been monitored. In the specified period, 276 articles were declared, 63 of which were negative, 21 were positive and 192 were neutral. During the monitoring period negative…

On March 1 Public Television Allocated 2 Minutes to the topic of the Constitutional Referendum

On March 1, the Public Television of Armenia allocated 2 minutes to the topic of the constitutional referendum, 1 minute of which was allocated to the supporters of the “NO” campaign, 1 minute to the “YES” supporters, no neutral remarks were presented. The Public TV aired “YES” and “NO” campaign video clips of up to 1-minute…

Passive campaign on the last day of winter

On February 29, the Public Television of Armenia allocated 43 minutes to the topic of the constitutional referendum, 1 minute of which was allocated to the supporters of the “NO” campaign, 3 minutes to the “YES” supporters and 39 minutes were neutral remarks. The Public TV also aired “YES” and “NO” campaign video clips of up…