YPC, Yerevan, 11 Oct 2008 – On October 6 the Global Campaign for Free Expression “Article 19” expressed its concern about the addition to the RA Law “On Television and Radio” adopted on September 10, 2008 by the RA National Assembly. It is suspending broadcast licensing competitions till July 20, 2010.
Statement of “Article 19” points out that the adopted amendments are directed against “A1+” TV company, contrary to the decision of European Court of Human Rights regarding the case of “A1+” and pronounced on July 17, 2008. It also contradicts to Article 19 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, and Article 10 of the European Convention on Human Rights and Fundamental Freedom – both conventions are ratified by Armenia and guarantee freedom of expression. “Article 19” called on the authorities in Armenia “to lift the moratorium on the licensing procedure and to ensure that “A1+” participates in an open, transparent and fair tender prior to the planned digital switchover”.
Meanwhile on October 8 RA Government approved another draft law on amendments to the RA Law “On Television and Radio”. It regards the same abovementioned addition to Article 59 of the broadcast Law. The Government offers to allow not only TV companies (as stipulated by now), but also radio companies, whose licenses expire before January 21, 2011, to request prolongation of the license from the National Commission on Television and Radio.
Besides, the governmental draft law provides for abolishing limitation on Public TV and Radio Company broadcasting in the languages of national minorities. According to Article 28 of the acting Law “On Television and Radio”, duration of programs in the languages of national minorities is limited to 1 hour a week for the public television, and 1 hour a day – for the public radio.
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