Experts propose alternative ways to liberalize broadcasting sector

A working group of media experts has elaborated a package of alternative proposals of TV broadcast digitalization in Armenia meant to ease the regulations and procedures of broadcasting.

In a press conference today, Ashot Melikyan, the head of the Committee of Freedom of Speech, said that liberalization of broadcasting is at the core of the package, unlike the Law on TV and Radio and the concept of digitalization that do not address the issue.

"If it was previously said that the broadcast tenders are very important, then given the development of technologies, when satellite, internet and cable broadcasting develop, the society is getting a wide range of choice, and therefore the market should be liberalized," said Melikyan.

What they propose, according to Melikyan, is that the licenses be given to broadcasters through a simplified procedure for the broadcaster to decide afterwards what it wants - either to take part in the tender for state airwaves or to chose internet, cable or satellite broadcasting.

The 31-page-long document, that presents a detailed analysis of the legislation and proposals, envisages tenders for state frequencies only.

"The current law stipulates that the license is the only basis which gives [a broadcaster] airing authorization in the territory of the Republic of Armenia [RA]. That is to say, it puts restrictions: we have removed the words 'in the territory of RA'," said Ashot Melikyan.

Further, he said that they also propose to bring the packages of the tenders for state airwaves to public discussion so that the society too will take part in the process of producing the results of the tenders.

Among other things the Committee also proposes to introduce amendments to the Law of Licensing and the Law on State Fees.
The Committee will send the package to the parliament, the government, international organizations and other agencies.

Next year it will start to discuss the package in an attempt to improve it.