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Legislators

Ruling Faction Proposes Reducing Public Broadcasters from Three to Two

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

The ruling 'Civil Contract' faction has proposed reducing the minimum number of public broadcasters from three to two, citing inefficient spending on a single entity-Shoghakat LLC-as a primary reason. According to MP Taguhi Ghazaryan, currently five broadcasters, including both television and radio, are publicly funded, with Shoghakat LLC receiving non-competitive procurements worth about AMD 3 billion over the years. The proposed amendments to the Law on Audiovisual Media aim to allocate resources more efficiently, with the Public Media Environment Foundation distributing funds for educational and cultural content to all TV channels on the multiplex.

Key Takeaways:

  • The proposed bill aims to reduce the minimum number of public broadcasters from three to two, with the primary goal of addressing inefficient spending on Shoghakat LLC.
  • The current system is criticized for leading to issues such as complex resource allocation, content duplication, low viewership of educational and cultural programs, and burdensome management and operations.
  • MP Taguhi Ghazaryan clarified that the proposed reduction does not mean public broadcasters cannot exceed two, but rather aims to reallocate funds more efficiently.
  • Gegham Nazaryan, an independent MP, expressed concern that the proposed bill is aimed at shutting down Shoghakat TV, a concern which Ghazaryan openly confirmed.
  • The opposition 'Armenia' faction MP Lilit Galstyan advised against making accusations of misuse based on gut feeling, while Ghazaryan responded that the opposition would vote against the bill regardless.
  • The bill's explanatory note highlights the need for a more efficient allocation of resources, citing the case of Shoghakat LLC as an example of ineffective spending.

Statistics:

  • AMD 3 billion was allocated without competition to Shoghakat LLC over the years.
  • Five broadcasters, including both television and radio, are currently publicly funded.
  • The Public Media Environment Foundation will distribute resources for educational and cultural content to all TV channels on the multiplex.

Sources:

  • Sputnik Armenia
  • The Law on Audiovisual Media
  • The Public Media Environment Foundation
  • MP Taguhi Ghazaryan
  • Gegham Nazaryan
  • Lilit Galstyan

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