AUTHORITIES TO DEVELOP ETHICAL RULES FOR ARMENIAN MASS MEDIA

Noyan Tapan

Ma y 23, 2008

YEREVAN, MAY 23, NOYAN TAPAN. Ethical rules for the mass media will
be developed by common efforts of Armenia’s government and parliament,
member of the NA Prosperous Armenia Party (PAP) faction Naira Zohraboan
told reporters during the May 23 parliamentary briefing.

In response to the reporters’ concern about restriction of the mass
media activities, the deputy, who was previously a journalist of
"Armenian Time" paper, stated that she was also concerned by the
prime minister’s statement that relations between "responsible press"
and "responsible authorities" will be regulated by law. However,
the prime minister reassured her that the expected amendment "will
not be used as a baton against the mass media".

The amendments to be made soon in the form of a law or ethcal rules
(these versions are being considered) will aim to raise responsibility
of the mass media, which will also increase responsibility of
officials. "The issue of mutual counterbalances should be solved,"
N. Zohrabian noted.

Responding to the question about whether the country’s legislation
allows to punish responsible mass media outlets, the deputy said that
a tradition has formed, by which the officials and political figures,
whose reputation was unduly damaged, do not apply to court in order
to avoid trouble.

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress