In the issue of “Aravot” daily of January 11, 2008 an article “Has the ’Alliance’
of the Gafesjians and the Sargsians Failed?” (by Gayaneh Sahakian) was published.
The article told about the controversy between the co-owners of “Armenia” TV
company, the Sargsian family and the American multi-millionaire of Armenian
descent Gerard Gafesjian, about the rumors of a sale of share in the TV company,
the alleged problems of salary allocations and payments, as well as projects
implemented.
On January 12 on the air of “Armenia” the co-owner of the TV company Bagrat
Sargsian spoke and refuted the information, published by “Aravot”, announcing
he would sue the daily.
On January 15 the Media Ethics Observatory urged “Armenia” TV company and “Aravot”
daily to solve the conflict out of court. Expressing its concern with the incident
between the two media and noting that taking the problem to court may seriously
harm the reputation of the media, the MEO appealed on “Armenia” TV to solve
the issue through negotiations and on “Aravot” daily – to be ready to engage
in them. MEO also stated its readiness to become a mediator in the out-of-court
solution of the matter, if necessary.
Currently the heads of “Armenia” TV and “Aravot” daily hold negotiations and
discuss the possibilities for solving the conflict out of court.
