Amendments to the Law on Audiovisual Media

The National Assembly has just adopted at first reading a draft proposed by the Government on amendments and additions to the Law on Audiovisual Media.

The Government proposed certain technical changes, which, while technical in nature, do not fall short of their importance. This was stated by the Minister of High-Tech Industry of the RA, Mkhitar Hayrapetyan. The issue was discussed during the regular session of the RA National Assembly on January 21.

According to the existing law, the regulatory state body notifies multiplex operators broadcasting the program within three days in case of suspension or termination of the broadcaster's license. The Government suggested assigning a new function to the regulatory state body to also notify the network operator broadcasting the program.

According to Mkhitar Hayrapetyan, the draft adopted at the first reading proposes that an application for participation in the licensing competition for the use of public multiplex slots should also include a certificate stating there are no overdue debts and obligations regarding broadcasting services. The conditions for the suspension and termination of licenses and authorizations have been revised.

As a result of the proposed regulations, misinterpretations will practically be excluded, ensuring the principle of legal certainty.