On March 11, the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) released its annual
survey about attacks on the press of different countries in 2003.
In the section devoted to Armenia it is noted in particular that “there
were several blows to media freedom in 2003”. As an example to illustrate
the case criminal punishment of the journalists for libel and insult and “the
continued ban on broadcasting” of “A1+” TV are cited in particular. “In
a country where 85 percent of the population receives its news from television,
the ‘A1+’ case has become a touchstone for press freedom”, CPJ emphasizes.
“Armenia’s print media enjoy relative freedom but are largely controlled
by political parties and wealthy businessmen, which dampens outlets’ objectivity.
The print press is also plagued by low professional standards”, the survey
runs.
The survey also comments on the trial of the murder case of Chairman of the
Council of Public TV and Radio Company, Tigran Naghdalian.
