Director of Public Radio Misuses Authority and Official Position: RA Public Broadcasting Council

The Public Broadcasting Council has expressed concerns regarding a publication by the Director of Public Radio, Garegin Khumaryan. On February 5, 2024, Khumaryan published an article on the media outlet's website that disputes the statements made by Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan during a recent broadcast of the 'Security Environment' program.

The fact that the director of Public Radio criticizes the Prime Minister is not extraordinary; in a democratic country, such dissent is expected and does not raise any fundamental objections. However, the arbitrary use of a public media outlet in this manner raises concerns within the Public Broadcasting Council.

The Council believes that the director has evidently misused his authority and official position by employing the reputation and official website of Public Radio to present his own opinions as indisputable and to ensure maximum public reaction. Furthermore, it is noteworthy that interviews with heads of state around the world do not imply debate, a point Khumaryan utilized to label the work of interviewer Baregam Ghukasyan as 'poor journalism' and failing to meet audience 'expectations,' which is also worrisome.

Consequently, the Council will soon review the compliance of Garegin Khumaryan's actions with ethical and legal standards.