I Doubt That Campaigns Start from 10,000 Dram Fines: Tigran Hakobyan on Administrative Penalty for ArmNews

The President of the RA Broadcasting Regulatory Commission, Tigran Hakobyan, wrote on his Facebook page:

“Regarding wearing masks on air and the administrative penalty imposed on ArmNews. As the head of the regulatory body, it is unpleasant for me when the Police visit any broadcaster's office (regardless of the reasons for the visit). It would be better if such visits did not occur. It is even more unpleasant when such a visit becomes an opportunity for political speculation and my name is manipulatively referenced.

Let me explain what this is about. Today, police visited ArmNews and composed a report for not wearing masks on air. The fine, if I am not mistaken, is 10,000 drams. The director of ArmNews and the host of ArmNews TV, Lika Tumanyan (and not just her), justifies not wearing a mask on air by referencing my opinion expressed about a month ago to one of the media outlets over the phone, which stated (I quote from the media text) that, 'As far as I know, there is no relevant decision from the Prime Minister that mandates wearing masks during recordings in television studios.' Naturally, this was about one host (when there are two, it is mandatory, and that requirement does not seem to be disputed).

'As far as I know' is a weak argument, and I used it because I myself was not convinced that the Prime Minister's decisions explicitly required a host to wear a mask when being alone on air. I have repeatedly expressed my opinion on this issue to both legislative and executive representatives. Nevertheless, when speaking with the directors of broadcasters, I have always requested that the masks be worn, explaining why it is necessary. This request (with appropriate arguments) was also made during a meeting held in the National Assembly with media leaders. I would also like to remind you that on June 26, that is, a week ago, the government issued a call to all media with the following short message: 'Considering the situation related to the coronavirus pandemic, we would like to draw your attention once again to point 2 of Annex 16 of the RA Prime Minister’s Decision N 110-N: 'During the performance of work duties, employees must wear masks. We call on you to comply with the established rules on air unconditionally. We inform you that violation of the rules will result in liability as defined by RA legislation.'

After this call-warning, I perceive referencing my month-old opinion as simple speculation. However, if I assume that the opinion of the President of the Broadcasting Regulatory Commission is so valuable to Lika Tumanyan and some of my other colleagues, and that you are willing to comply without reservation, even 'fighting' against the decisions of the police and the Prime Minister's office, then I expect your responsible attitude toward my previously expressed other opinions, requests, and appeals.

Concluding this topic, I believe it would be effective to organize a meeting between broadcasters and the officials of the Prime Minister's office, during which the parties, by hearing each other's arguments and proposals, could reach a final statement, aiming for the joint struggle and overcoming of the pandemic.

And lastly, the most important thing. In her Facebook post regarding the initiation of administrative proceedings by the police, Lika Tumanyan ends with the following sentence: 'The campaign against the media has begun.' I doubt that campaigns start from 10,000 dram fines, especially since the day before, by the government's decision, each television station with a municipal coverage was allocated an amount 250 times larger. And I suggest to Lika (whom I like very much) to visit me. I will open the boxes where I keep my archives, which contain hundreds of testimonies about campaigns against the media, photographs, videos, articles, court decisions... She will see devastated editorial offices, burned cars, decisions evidencing tax terror, confiscated computers, images of dozens of beaten journalists, copies of criminal cases (two against me since 2000), letters from the children of imprisoned journalists, media outlets closed after March 1, shattered fates... And after familiarizing herself with all this, we will toast with a glass of wine, wishing that the 'campaign against the media' be only such, with a 10,000 dram fine... Lika Tumanyan, will you come?”