Foreign channels face possible suspension under new Armenian legislation

Armenia’s National Assembly has adopted in the first reading a set of amendments to the Law “On Audiovisual Media,” introducing stricter oversight of foreign broadcasters and expanding the regulatory framework governing cable and network operators.

Minister of High-Tech Industry Mkhitar Hayrapetyan stated that the draft legislation establishes new regulatory mechanisms, including the potential imposition of sanctions on foreign broadcasters found to be interfering in Armenia’s domestic political affairs, Caliber.Az reports, citing Armenian media.

“The purpose of the initiative is to ensure the country’s information security, reduce the impact of destructive information on citizens, eliminate existing legal gaps, and create equal competitive conditions,” Hayrapetyan said.

He noted that the current law, adopted in July 2020, primarily regulates the public multiplex — a package of 26 television channels broadcast free of charge across the country — while cable television and internet-based platforms have largely remained outside direct regulatory oversight.

“The proposed amendments envisage extending the rules applicable to the public multiplex to cable networks. In addition, special requirements are being introduced for foreign television channels broadcast via network operators in Armenia,” the minister explained.

Under the proposed changes, if interference in the country’s internal political processes is established, the Television and Radio Commission — the national regulatory authority — would be authorized to impose sanctions on the relevant network operator.

Hayrapetyan further clarified that once formal proceedings are initiated, the operator will be required to suspend the transmission of the broadcaster in question until a final decision is rendered. Failure to comply would result in liability being placed on the operator.

By Vafa Guliyeva