New Restrictions in Audiovisual Media: Grounds for License Suspension and Revocation to be Defined

The legislative amendments currently under discussion in the Armenian Parliament propose to prohibit the dissemination of certain content in audiovisual broadcasts, particularly related to the violent overthrow of the constitutional order, propaganda of war, and interference in domestic political affairs.

During a recent session of the National Assembly, Minister of High-Tech Industry Mikayel Hayrapetyan presented the draft amendments to the law on 'Audiovisual Media' for the second reading. According to him, the initiative has been refined in collaboration with the Ministry of Justice and the Commission on Television and Radio.

The Minister noted that the regulatory state body will be empowered to establish specific criteria regarding cases related to calls for war or intervention in Armenia's domestic political life by foreign programs. The proposed changes aim to clarify the instances of broadcast prohibitions. In particular, it will ban the dissemination of content that interferes with Armenia's domestic political life through foreign audiovisual programs.

Additionally, the amendments will clearly define the grounds and mechanisms for the suspension and revocation of licenses for network operators, as well as establish penalties for conducting activities in violation of the law.