Armenia Moves to Ban Foreign Broadcast Content Interfering in Domestic Political Life

YEREVAN — A proposal has been introduced to ban the broadcasting of foreign television content that interferes in Armenia’s domestic political life or contains calls for war. The draft legislation also seeks to clarify the grounds for suspending network operators’ licenses and to establish fines for legal violations.

The revised bill was discussed in its second reading during the National Assembly session on April 14.

Minister of High-Tech Industry Mkhitar Hayrapetyan presented the updated version of the draft, emphasizing that the document was developed in cooperation with the Ministry of Justice and the Television and Radio Commission.

According to the minister, the amendments will clearly define the cases in which audiovisual content may be prohibited.

“It was decided that the regulatory state body authorized by the draft law will be empowered to establish the relevant criteria regarding, for example, the dissemination of information containing calls for war, as well as content interfering in the domestic political life of the Republic of Armenia,” Hayrapetyan stated.

Referring to the activities of network operators, the minister noted that oversight in the field will be tightened.

According to him, the legal mechanisms through which issued licenses may be suspended or revoked will now be clearly defined by law.

“A fine is also envisaged for violations committed by network operators in the course of their activities,” the minister added.