ARMENIAN PUBLIC RADIO REFUSES TO RE-SIGN CONTRACT FOR RFE/RL PROGRAMS
Statement by Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty
Radio Liberty, Czech Rep.
July 25 2007
(Washington, DC–July 24, 2007) Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty
(RFE/RL) and its oversight agency, the U.S. Broadcasting Board of
Governors (BBG), expressed dismay at Armenian Public Radio’s rejection
of a new contract to continue carrying programs of RFE/RL’s Armenian
Service.
RFE/RL Armenian programs have been aired on Armenian Public Radio —
Armenia’s top radio network — since 1998, where they have earned
the trust of a significant number of listeners. Survey data shows
that 15 percent of Armenian adults listen to RFE/RL programs each week.
Three days of discussions in Yerevan, Armenia last week between U.S.
and Armenian broadcast officials ended without agreement on a new
contract to replace one that had lapsed in February.
"Our delegation was asked to go to Yerevan to iron out some minor
technical issues and conclude a contract to extend this successful
partnership," said BBG Chairman James K. Glassman. "All these issues
were resolved. Our delegation was told there are no deadlines, and
no threat was made to take RFE/RL programs off Public Radio. Yet
the contract remains unsigned, and our offers to make payment were
refused. It seems clear that whatever is holding up an agreement has
nothing to do with legal, contractual, or technical issues."
"We value our relationship with Armenian Public Radio," added Glassman,
"and certainly want it to continue. We look forward to signing the
contract, and making all payments stipulated in the contract, as soon
as our partners in Armenia tell us they are ready."
The Armenian parliament on July 3 did not adopt amendments to the
country’s media regulations that would have banned RFE/RL and other
foreign broadcasters from public airwaves. One week later, Armenian
Public Radio indicated that it planned to stop RFE/RL broadcasts on
August 9, citing contractual and payment issues. Last week’s visit
to Armenia by RFE/RL and BBG contracting officials was intended to
resolve these issues.
"The potential end of our very fruitful relationship with Public
Radio has no economic or other legitimate justification," said
RFE/RL President Jeffrey Gedmin. "Armenians go to the polls in
eight months to choose their next President, and therefore it is
particularly important that RFE/RL’s broadcasts, which are widely
respected for their accuracy, objectivity and timeliness, reach the
largest possible audience. Our coverage of the May 12 parliamentary
elections was singled out for praise by OSCE observers for its balance
and thoroughness."
RFE/RL’s Armenian Service has been on the air since 1953 and
produces more than three and one half hours of Armenian-language
programming daily in Prague and its Yerevan Bureau. Armenian
Service programming is available via satellite, local affiliates
and the Internet, at the service’s website
and at ; English-language news about
events in Armenia can be found on the RFE/RL website, at
menia.html