What Steps Should Media Outlets Take When They Are Labeled: Auroranews' Question to Pashinyan

During a press conference, an Auroranews journalist posed a question to Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan regarding the labeling of independent media by various political forces in Armenia. "Mr. Prime Minister, unfortunately, it has become commonplace in our reality for independent media to be labeled by political forces. It is even more concerning when such labeling comes from state officials. I would like to talk specifically about Radio Aurora. If the opposition accuses us of serving the authorities, then I believe certain state officials recently labeled Radio Aurora as a media outlet under Russian influence for self-serving reasons and referred to our employees as ГРУ agents. I would like to hear your thoughts on these completely unfounded accusations that reach the level of absurdity. What steps should media outlets take when labeled, especially by state officials? Simply denying it or going to court does not change the perception based on falsehoods in society, and few believe that media can truly be independent in Armenia," asked the journalist.

In response, Nikol Pashinyan stated, "I must sincerely admit that I do try to follow the media, but to be honest, I have not had the opportunity to follow Radio Aurora, and I honestly have not come across the accusations directed at Radio Aurora and I lack the information to answer your question."