Armenian rights activists call for restoration of Public TV’s independence
panorama, Armenia
A group of Armenian human rights defenders, civil society members and political activists have issued a joint statement urging the government to “return Public TV Company of Armenia to the public”, accusing the state-funded broadcaster of serving the interests of the authorities rather than the public good.
In their statement issued on Thursday, the signatories argue that Public TV Company, funded by taxpayers and legally bound to serve the public interest, has strayed from its founding mission of editorial independence and pluralism. They claim the broadcaster has become “a propaganda tool serving the government’s agenda”, distorting public discourse and undermining balanced coverage.
The statement asserts that the current state of the public media system contradicts Armenia’s Law on Audiovisual Media, which mandates political neutrality, editorial independence and the prohibition of one-sided propaganda by public broadcasters.
Participants in a roundtable titled “Let’s Return Public TV to the Public” expressed readiness to take both legal and organizational steps to “restore a healthy media environment” in the country. They emphasized that public broadcasters must not act as platforms for private or partisan interests but should instead build credibility and trust among citizens.
The statement remains open for endorsement by other individuals and organizations who share the group’s concerns and goals.
Signatories include:
Paruyr Hayrikyan, leader of Armenia’s independence movement
Hayk Demoyan, Doctor of Historical Sciences
Vahe Darbinyan, Vahan Tekeyan Social and Cultural Foundation
Zhanna Aleksanyan, Journalists for Human Rights NGO
Larisa Alaverdyan, Executive Director of Against Legal Arbitrariness NGO
Nina Karapetyants, Nzhar Constitutional Movement
Susanna Muradyan, economist
Viktor Mnatsakanyan, Victory Party
David Margaryan, Country to Live Party
Karen Kocharyan, TV host and analyst
Garegin Chugaszyan, board member of the National Democratic Alliance
Tigran Khzmalyan, chairman of the European Party of Armenia
Tigran Petrosyan, journalist
Artashes Ikonomov, inventor and businessman
