Why the Catholicos New Year Address Was Not Broadcast: Details of the Controversial Incident

On December 31, the Public Television Company had scheduled to broadcast His Holiness Karekin II, the Supreme Patriarch of All Armenians' New Year address during one of the most watched slots designated for official messages this year. It was noted that the Catholicos's speech was to follow the address of the President of Armenia, who is the head of state according to the Constitution.

“Unfortunately, on December 31, on behalf of the Mother See, Father Vahram Melikyan notified the public broadcaster's council that they disagreed with the time designated for the addresses and demanded that the Catholicos's video address, the copyright of which belongs to the Mother See, not be broadcast or used at all. Since the demand was only relevant to the Public Television Company, the affiliated 'Shoghakat' television channel and Public Radio broadcasted the address, while the oral request regarding the public broadcaster’s air was accepted. There is no legislative regulation regarding the broadcasting of New Year's addresses in Armenia, which is why each television company decides when and in what order to broadcast addresses, as occurred this time. In light of the public's broad reaction, we suggest that the issue be regulated within the legislative framework,” the statement said.

“We regret this incident and hope that it will not affect the collaboration between the Public Broadcaster and the Mother See,” the Public Broadcaster's council reported.

Earlier, the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin issued a statement, noting that throughout the history of independence, dating back to the time of Vazgen I, it was traditionally accepted for the Catholicos's New Year address to be broadcast on public television immediately before the leader's address on New Year's Eve.

“This year, the Public Television Company, at the last moment, without any explanation, informed that the Catholicos's New Year address would not be broadcast before midnight, as had traditionally been the case. Instead, it was proposed to present the Supreme Patriarch's address during the evening news, which was not duly accepted by the Mother See and was rejected. All other allegations and attributions are fabrications, and for the reasons behind such a decision, one must refer to the Public Television Company,” the statement added.