Another four TV companies to be closed down
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.
