ALEXAN HARUTYUNYAN: BLACK PR ON PUBLIC TV IS EXCLUDED
Alisa Gevorgyan

"Radiolur"
26.02.2007 18:08

"It is said that preceding the elections the opposition was deprived
of the opportunity to show up on the Public TV. We are not going to
deprive them of this opportunity; moreover, we are trying to create
opportunities for those political forces which are not represented
in the Parliament and have no chances to present their platforms
to the public," President of the Council of Public TV and Radio
Company of Armenia Alexan Harutyunyan said at a press conference,
turning to the decision of the Constitutional Court dated February
16, which recognized anti-Constitutional the provisions of the law
on broadcasting the "Parliamentary Hour" program, the question and
answer sessions and parliamentary statements.

According to Alexan Harutyunyan, connected with this question the
Public TV had serious problems with the European Broadcasting Union,
since joining the latter, the Armenian Public TV assumed commitments,
among which is the question whether the TV Company has editorial
independence and determines the schedule of its programs itself. Alexan
Harutyunyan clarified today what steps will follow the decision of the
Constitutional Court: the Public Radio will continue broadcasting the
programs like before. The "Parliamentary Hour" program will also be
aired on the Public TV without any changes and editorial interference;
only change of the time is expected, it will be broadcasted at 20:00.

As for the statements addressed to the Government and the question
and answer session, these will be broadcasted, but the duration will
be cut. According to Alexan Harutyunyan, after the parliamentary
elections the questions of broadcasting will be discussed with the
new leadership of the National Assembly.

Alexan Harutyunyan considers the criticism of the Public TV is normal,
since this establishment is the property of the public and not of a
particular person. Therefore, the demands are strict.

The President of the Council of Public TV and Radio Company also
turned to the coverage of the forthcoming parliamentary elections on
the Public TV.

"We shall guarantee not only the 60 minutes of free air time and
the paid 120 minutes, but will try to provide for parity in the
news. The attitude towards both authorities and the opposition will
be exceptionally neutral or positive. Black PR is excluded."

Besides the news programs, others programs are also envisaged. The
"Europolis " will host political figures and will try to provide for
parity between the authorities and opposition forces. From now on the
"Fifth wheel" will be aired live and will serve to inform the public
about the political forces. The Public Radio will also maintain the
parity and objectivity. Alexan Harutyunyan expressed hope that Radio
Liberty will adhere to the same principles, since its programs are
also aired on the Public Radio of Armenia.

Turing to the participation of Hayko in the Eurovision song contest,
Alexan Harutyunyan said, "For me one thing is important: I want the
Armenian song to succeed. I understand pretty well that if there is
success, it is the success of the singer, but if something goes wrong,
the failure will be ascribed to me and the Public TV. That is why
not only this year, but in general I’m interested in choosing the
best song among those presented," said the President of the Council
of Public TV and Radio Company.