Armenia slams Russian TV channels for spreading hate, violating media pact

The Armenian TV and Radio Broadcasting Commission has issued a formal statement criticising the conduct of Russian TV channels operating within Armenia, accusing them of spreading hatred, misinformation, and violating both Armenian legislation and the terms of a bilateral media cooperation agreement.

The commission asserts that certain programming aired by Russian channels on Armenia's public multiplex — specifically First Channel. World Network and RTR-Kultura (Culture) — periodically fosters “a background of hatred and permissiveness,” Caliber.Az reports, citing Georgian media.

The statement refers to the 2020 Agreement on Cooperation in the Sphere of Mass Telecommunications between the governments of Armenia and Russia, which was designed to enhance friendly relations and media collaboration. However, the commission notes ongoing violations of both the agreement and Armenian laws by the Russian broadcasters.

A key point of contention is Article 4 of the agreement, under which Russia was expected to grant the Public Television Company of Armenia (PTA) a universal licence to broadcast in Russia. The commission states that nearly five years later, this obligation remains unfulfilled. Moreover, Armenian officials have learned that “the concept of a ‘universal broadcasting licence’ does not exist in the legislation of the Russian Federation.”

Article 5 of the agreement mandates that Russian channels must adhere to Armenian law and refrain from broadcasting content that insults the Armenian people or intervenes in the country’s internal political affairs. However, the commission noted with “regret” that the channels in question have repeatedly aired content that includes “insulting statements against state institutions and citizens of Armenia,” often substituting factual reporting with “emotional and aggressive characteristics.”

“The TV and Radio Broadcasting Commission continues to receive numerous complaints and proposals. The regulator is required to prevent Armenia’s media space from turning into a field of permissiveness, where insults, misinformation, justification of violence and violation of human rights become the norm and negatively influence public consciousness and behaviour,” the statement reads.

Reaffirming its stance, the Commission concluded: “The public multiplex should not be used to serve foreign political agendas. Armenia’s infofield should be free from manipulative, propaganda and provocative attempts of interference by any other country.”

By Vafa Guliyeva