By Lia Avagyan
The Armenian government has approved the creation of a new foundation called the “Public Interest Media Environment”, sparking debate over whether the move is aimed at strengthening public media or tightening political control ahead of national elections. The decision was formally announced on April 17.
The foundation will distribute grants to broadcasters operating on Armenia’s public multiplex for the production of content considered to be in the public interest, including programming that is cultural, educational, scientific, children’s or sports-focused.
The public multiplex refers to a government-regulated digital broadcasting platform that hosts multiple free-to-air TV channels on a single frequency. Access to the multiplex requires a license, and it serves as a key distribution channel for national broadcasters.
The government says the foundation is part of a broader effort to combat disinformation, hate speech, foreign propaganda, and manipulated narratives circulating in Armenian media.
Tigran Hakobyan, chairman of the Television and Radio Commission, which regulates the broadcasting sector, said the measure aligns with global practices. “In almost every country, states support the production and dissemination of high-quality content on public networks,” he told CivilNet. “Broadcasters in the public multiplex can only deliver meaningful programming with targeted, recurring support. It’s like classical music- it won’t survive without public funding.”
Media organizations sound alarm
Several media watchdogs have voiced concern over the foundation’s formation. On April 22, a coalition of a dozen Armenian media organizations issued a joint statement calling for a temporary suspension of the decision and urging broader consultations with stakeholders.
The groups argue that the current framework favors a narrow set of TV broadcasters, excluding digital platforms and independent outlets that are increasingly influential in Armenia’s media landscape.
“Support for public interest media should not be limited to licensed terrestrial broadcasters,” said Boris Navasardyan, president of the Yerevan Press Club. “This decision was made without consulting journalistic organizations, which naturally raises doubts.”
While government officials maintain that the foundation will operate independently, critics are wary of its timing, coming before the parliamentary elections slated for June 2026.
“This kind of decision inevitably raises concerns that the funds may be used to exert political influence under the guise of media support,” Navasardyan said.
Hakobyan dismissed those concerns, stating that the foundation’s charter explicitly bans funding for politically driven content. “There will be safeguards in place, and the board will include respected figures from civil society. Any attempt at political bias will be obvious,” he said.
Unequal access to support
A core criticism is that only multiplex broadcasters will be eligible for funding, which many view as an outdated approach given Armenia’s shifting media consumption habits.
“If the goal is to promote public interest content, all types of media outlets should be eligible,” said Navasardyan. “Audiences today rely on a diverse mix of platforms, not just traditional TV.”
Hakobyan responded that multiplex broadcasters face unique financial pressures and stricter regulations compared to digital competitors, including content quotas and advertising restrictions. Without state support, he warned, they risk closure or becoming dependent on political patrons.
The appointment of Vahagn Tevosyan as acting head of the foundation has also drawn criticism. A former member of parliament from Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan’s party, Tevosyan previously worked at Haykakan Zhamanak, a newspaper owned by Pashinyan’s family.
Navasardyan said the choice undermines the foundation’s credibility. “He may be competent, but appointing someone with clear political ties was not the best message. It would have been better to choose someone neutral.”
The foundation will be overseen by a seven-member board of trustees. Its budget has not yet been disclosed.
As the plan moves ahead, the divide remains stark: is this a necessary step to improve media quality in Armenia, or a strategic move to bring independent journalism further under state influence? The answer, many say, will depend not just on intent, but on implementation.
Read the article in Armenian: Աջակցությո՞ւն, թե՞ վերահսկելու փորձ. ինչու է կառավարությունը մեդիահիմնադրամ ստեղծում
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