RADIO LIBERTY OFF AIR IN ARMENIA
Aljazeera.net, Qatar
July 26 2007
Radio Liberty is the only foreign broadcaster to air programmes on
Armenia’s state radio [EPA]
Armenia’s state radio has refused to extend a contract with the US
government-funded Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (RFE/RL).
With elections early next year, the move on Wednesday has prompted
some to fear a clampdown on independent media in the former Soviet
state.
The US Broadcasting Board of Governors (BBG), the agency responsible
for Radio Liberty and other US government-sponsored international
broadcasting, said in a statement that there was "no economic or
other legitimate justification" for the contract to end.
"Armenians go to the polls in eight months to choose their next
president, and therefore it is particularly important that RFE/RL’s
broadcasts … reach the largest possible audience," the BBG said.
Radio Liberty is the only foreign broadcaster that relies on state
radio frequencies.
Earlier in July, a small number of demonstrators protested against
proposed amendments to Armenia’s media law that would prevent
programmes produced by foreign companies from being aired on state
channels.
Radio Liberty would be the only broadcaster effected by such
legislation, but government officials at the time denied that was
their aim.
Ultimately, the amendments were not adopted by parliament. Instead,
Radio Liberty is being taken off the air after contract negotiations
broke down.
The government has argued that Armenia’s state television and radio
are publicly funded and should not take up commercial projects.
Radio Liberty may still air its Armenian broadcasts on private radio,
though these would reach a smaller audience.