On July 18, on the eighth anniversary of Yerevan Press Club at Astafian restaurant the YPC Annual Award ceremony was held. Established in 1998 for the best journalists and media organizations of Armenia, the Award was this time to honor the coverage of presidential and parliamentary elections in 2003.
The jury that determined the awardees was comprised of: Aram Abrahamian (Chief Editor of "Aravot" daily), Levon Barseghian (Chairman of "Asparez" Journalist’s Club), Avetik Ishkhanian (Chairman of Helsinki Committee of Armenia), Karineh Khodikian (Chief Editor of "Grakan Tert" newspaper), Elina Poghosbekian (Editor of YPC Weekly Newsletter and leader of monitoring group).
The YPC Annual Award winners are:
Armen Sargsyan, author and presenter of "Ditak" TV program series of Internews Armenia public organization – for innovative coverage of elections;
Petros Ghazaryan, author and presenter of "Aytsekart" program series of "Kentron" TV company – for ensuring diversity of opinion on air;
"Tsayg" TV company (Gyumri) – for impartial coverage of election campaigns and enabling the public dialogue;
"Noyan Tapan" Information and Analysis Center – for the best use of the Internet during the elections;
Ruzan Khachatrian, Karine Kalantarian and Hrach Melkumian, correspondents of Radio Free Europe/ Radio Liberty Armenian Service – for display of professional responsibility and effective team work.
A YPC diploma of honor was awarded to Head of OSCE Office in Yerevan Ambassador Roy Reeve in acknowledgement of his effort to abet the freedom of speech in Armenia and contribution in facilitating the dialogue between the journalists of South Caucasus personally and officially. Upon the offer of the YPC Board, Roy Reeve became an Honorary Member of Yerevan Press Club.
As the tradition goes, the diplomatic missions accredited in Armenia and the offices of the reputable international organizations conferred their prizes.
Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Ambassador of Germany Hans-Wulf Bartels awarded "Tsayg" TV company.
On behalf of the USA Embassy the Public Affairs Officer Kimberly Hargan awarded Petros Ghazaryan.
The representative of UN Department of Public Information Valeri Tkachouk granted memorable gifts to all the awardees. Correspondent of Russian service of “Deutsche Welle” radio station Arshavir Gazazyan honored Armen Sargsyan.
Financial assistance to the YPC Award ceremony was provided by the Open Society Institute Assistance Foundation Armenia.
