Corruption Scandal at H1: Contract Signed with Non-Existent Company

Two months ago, Irakanum.am sent an official inquiry to Margarita Grigoryan, the Executive Director of Public Television of Armenia, to find out which organization the public broadcaster has contracted to air its programs in the United States. The inquiry also sought clarification on whether this organization has the right to display advertisements and profit from local businesses, and if so, where that revenue is directed.

The letter stated the following verbatim: “The Public Television of Armenia is open to cooperating with all broadcasting organizations to expand the reach and accessibility of the television network. The Public Television of Armenia broadcasts in the North American region via satellite connection (the satellite connection is technically provided by GlobeCast France). In this case, the Public Television of Armenia, according to Article 26, Part 5 of the Law on Television and Radio of the Republic of Armenia, has the right to place advertising materials in the broadcasts of Public Television via satellite transmission. Some programs of Public Television are also retransmitted in the United States on a contractual basis by Panarm Inc., based on the licensing and retransmission agreements signed on November 1, 2014. The Public Television of Armenia has no relation to the advertising displayed by Panarm Inc. on its own channel and the revenue generated from that advertising. The mentioned company independently determines its advertising policy, which does not concern Public Television.”

At first glance, everything seems normal; however, Irakanum.am has learned that the broadcasts of Public Television in North America are transmitted via cable, not satellite, for a very simple reason: GlobeCast France ceased to exist six years ago, in July 2013. Thus, the advertisements placed on Public Television broadcasts are currently illegal, as transmissions are only carried out via cable.

Notably, there are concerns about potential corruption-related issues—does Public Television still make payments to GlobeCast France, and where does that money go if the company does not exist? Moreover, it remains unknown how much revenue Public Television receives from its contract with Panarm Inc.

For more details, visit the original source.