Armenian parliament approves bill removing “Shogakat” TV from public multiplex

Armenia’s National Assembly has voted to revoke the “Shogakat” TV channel’s access to the country’s public multiplex, effectively ending its status as a public broadcaster.

The measure, introduced by deputies from the ruling Civil Contract party, passed in its second and final reading with 58 votes in favour and 11 against, Caliber.Az reports per Armenian media. 

The approved amendments to the Law on Audiovisual Media reduce the number of public broadcasters in Armenia from three to two. They also remove the legal requirement for public television to include educational and cultural programming.

The proposal was initiated by Civil Contract lawmakers Sisak Gabrielyan and Tagui Kazaryan, who argued that the reforms aim to streamline the country’s public broadcasting system.

“Shogakat” TV, which has traditionally focused on religious, cultural, and educational content, is affiliated with the Armenian Apostolic Church and has been part of the public multiplex since 2011. 

By Sabina Mammadli