WHAT IS THE “LEADER” AFRAID OF?

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On February 23 “Shant” TV Company, included in the list of the “Leading and Independent” TV Companies, obviously violated the right of citizens for being informed. Breaking beforehand approved and printed program list, the TV Company suddenly aired out “Ditak” program, made by “Internews” Company . The program was totally about the presidential elections in Armenia on February 19 . The materials of various independent TV Companies were included in the program. The material of “A1+” TV Company was in “Ditak”, too. It shows and tells about some irregularities on February 19.

”A1+” referred to only 3 breaches out of the archive of February 19 irregularities: Rights of journalists were violated in one of the election centres in Echmiadzin City causing squabble, the electorate, gathered at the pre-election headquarters for Robert Kocharyan in Nor Nork massive of Yerevan, were given “relief” before visiting the polling station, the election centre, located in the school after Khrimyan Hayrik, was deprived of electricity supply at 1: 30 PM and elections continued under such conditions .

The Director of Program Department of “Shant” who wished to remain unidentified, informed us by phone a feature film was aired instead of “Ditak” reasoning unclear “program problems”. “Shant” also informed “Internews” that “Ditak” videotape was not sent to the TV Company . “Internews” employees don’t accept the version, as they are sure of their competence. So, why did “Ditak” frighten “independent” “Shant” TV Company so much? .

Prudence of “Shant” would be easy to understand if the TV Company took part in the tender for frequency ranges to win broadcasting licence. The tender already took place and “Shant” has showed a proper part of caution to Authorities.