Unexpected Hit by the RAERT: Television Companies Issue Statement

The Armenian television companies broadcasting on the public multiplex, including "Armenia TV", "A-TV", "Shant", "Dar-21", "Free News", and "Fortuna" have received an unexpected blow from the RAERT by being deprived of broadcasting due to payment delays. This comes at a time when advertising revenues have sharply decreased for all television companies owing to the disastrous events of recent years, such as the pandemic, war, and legislative tightening.

This was stated in a declaration issued by the television companies. "The new legal requirements for strict protection of copyright and the absolute provision of programming broadcast in the state language, Armenian, require additional financial resources. Due to their absence or scarcity, the cost of preparing television programs has significantly increased. In the current situation, it has become nearly impossible to properly and comprehensively cover the upcoming elections of the Yerevan City Council. It is clear that the timing of these strict measures is not appropriate.

Advertising income has sharply decreased, particularly during the already less profitable months of June and July, and this broadcasting suspension could completely dismantle the operations of the television companies. This is happening at a time when nearly all television companies have significantly reduced their debts over the past year, demonstrating a dynamic of financial management. Furthermore, just like before, television companies generate additional income during elections, which is directed toward repaying debts owed to the RAERT. In fact, every effort is being made to nullify that opportunity.

It is at least strange that the RAERT, despite providing incomplete and often low-quality services to the television companies, nonetheless forces them to make payments in return. The pricing for the services of the RAERT, which holds a monopoly position relative to the television companies, is generally incomprehensible. International experience shows that after digitization, prices should not rise but decrease.

One of the important factors in ensuring citizens' constitutional right to receive information is the normal operation of the public television multiplex. Therefore, the current situation requires a comprehensive discussion and systematic solution. The responsibility for the emergence and resolution of this issue lies with the Ministry of High-Tech Industry of Armenia. However, we view this agency not as a money-collecting economic entity but rather as a body that develops and implements information policy.

Therefore, we propose to suspend disconnections until the end of this year and to develop an effective and logical concept for the operation of the public multiplex with the involvement of all interested parties: the National Assembly, the Government, the Regulatory Authority, and all television companies. In the case of a negative response, the undersigned television companies will take additional necessary measures in accordance with the law to protect their rights.

Television companies broadcasting on the public multiplex include: "Yerkir Media LLC", "Kentron LLC", "Shant LLC", "A-TV LLC", "Armenia TV LLC", "Bun TV LLC", "Nur LLC", "New Armenia LLC", "5th Channel LLC", "Free News LLC", "21 TV LLC", "Delta TV LLC", "Ararat TV LLC", "Arma TV LLC", "Geghama LLC", "Fortuna LLC", "Kotayk TV LLC", "Tsayg LLC", "Tavush TV LLC".