In This Case, Our Money Does Not Serve Its Purpose: Pashinyan

The Ministry of High-Tech Industry proposes to establish a new fund named "Public Utility Media Environment" and to approve its charter. This was stated by the Minister of High-Tech Industry, Mikitar Hayrapetyan, during a government meeting while presenting the relevant draft.

“This initiative stems from the fact that in 2020, a new law on 'Audiovisual Media' was adopted, which mandatorily required television channels broadcasting on public multiplex to provide at least 20 percent of public utility content. In saying this, considering international experience, we mean educational, scientific, cultural, sports, and social content that cannot generate revenue using commercial means or is very complex to do so,” he stated.

“These new regulations, as well as certain restrictions in the advertising market that began in February 2021, when companies received licenses to broadcast in the public multiplex, created certain realities and prompted us to propose solutions for the industry and support those companies and broadcasters to ensure that at least 20 percent of public utility content is provided. As a result, a decision was made to create a fund that would work closely with the industry to encourage the broadcasting of public utility content in the public multiplex area through grants,” he added.

Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan responded by saying that it needs to be clarified whether this is for television companies or for viewers. “If it is for television companies, let’s not do anything, let’s say ‘television, you manage as you can, just keep going a bit longer.’ If it is for viewers, then we need to say ‘television, this product must reach the viewer. If you cannot engage the viewer, then our money does not serve its purpose. That’s the problem. This needs to be fixed in the charter,’” Pashinyan noted.

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