In late July a new medium was register with the RA Ministry of Justice – "Popular Radio Asparez", founded by "Asparez" Journalists’ Club of Gyumri (Shirak region). As Yerevan Press Club was informed by the Chairman of the Board of “Asparez” Levon Barseghian, on September 6 the founders addressed the National Commission on Television and Radio requesting to allow the use of one of the vacant FM frequencies of Shirak region until a competition for broadcast licensing is held.
"Popular Radio Asparez" is supposed to be public, non-for-profit station. In particular, it is not to be funded by commercial advertising. About 30-35% of airtime is to be given to news and analytical programs. Besides, interactive discussions, education and social programs, alternative music are to be broadcast.
