ANOTHER FOUR TV COMPANIES TO BE CLOSED DOWN
A1Plus.am
08:41 pm | May 14, 2010 | Social
A group of media representatives and NGOs today held a heated debate
over a non-existing project. None of them could say definitely in
what format the draft law on Television and Radio posted on the
website of the RA Ministry of Economy on May 12 would be submitted
to the parliament.
All participants were convinced that the draft project would be
adopted during the upcoming NA four-day sitting. The changes refer
to digital broadcasting.
"It is the second time a legislative amendment is introduced covertly
without public discussions. In 2008, the National Assembly adopted a
law suspending broadcasting tenders by amending the Law on Television
and Radio. In fact, the amendments pursued one aim – not to returned
embattled A1+ to the air," said Freedom of Speech Protection Committee
expert Mesrop Harutyunyan.
"One thing is certain: 18 of the 22 TV companies will be granted
digital air. It is already known which TV companies will be granted
licenses. I am more than convinced that A1+ is not included on the
list," he added.
Which frequencies will be digitalized? Why do you keep it in secret?
President of A1+ Company Mesrop Movsesyan addressed the questions to
a ministry representative who refrained from answering.
Digitalization is expected to create new problems not only for the
capital but also for regional TV companies since Yerevan TV companies
cannot transmit their programmes in marzes.
Note that 12 billion AMD has been allotted for the digitalization.