“Media, Legislation and Elections” – October 15, 2006, Gyumri, Shirak region, Seminar, organized by Yerevan Press Club. Participants (20 in number) included heads, representatives of media, journalistic associations of Shirak region. Main issues discussed: the lessons of the coverage of national elections campaigns of 2003 and the Constitution Referendum of 2005; coverage of Shirak media of Constitution Referendum and local self-government elections in 2005; role and targets of media during upcoming election campaigns; legislative regulation of media.
“Media, Legislation and Elections” – October 14, 2006, Vanadzor, Lori region, Seminar, organized by Yerevan Press Club. Participants (20 in number) included heads, representatives of media, and journalistic associations of Lori region. Main issues discussed: the lessons of the coverage of national elections campaigns of 2003 and the Constitution Referendum of 2005; coverage of Lori media of Constitution Referendum and local self-government elections in 2005; role and targets of media during upcoming election campaigns; legislative regulation of media.
“Role of Political Parties and Public Institutes in the Formation of New Concepts of Social and Political Development in Armenia” – September 29 – October 1, 2006, Dilijan, Tavush region, Seminar, organized by Yerevan Press Club with the assistance of Friedrich Ebert Foundation. Participants (30 in number) represented media, journalistic associations and political parties of Armenia. Main issues discussed: the possibilities, trends of dialogue between NGOs and political parties; the YPC initiatives on the development of public dialogue; the role of press as a public debate forum; new approaches and ideas in the platforms of political parties; the role of international organizations in the preparation and implementation of development programs in Armenia; the South Caucasus context and its influence on the domestic situation in the countries of the region.
“Introduction of Self-Regulatory Mechanisms in Armenian Media” – September 23-24, 2006, Yerevan, Seminar, organized by OSCE Office in Yerevan, Yerevan Press Club, Public TV and Radio Company of Armenia with the assistance of UNESCO Moscow Office. Participants (50 in number) included representatives of media, journalistic associations, international organizations, diplomatic missions, accredited in Armenia, experts from UK and US. Main issues discussed: the role and significance of media accountability systems, the process of their development in Armenia; self-regulation and media-business (the example of the Guardian daily); first steps on media accountability introduction in Armenia; the role of news ombudsman in public broadcasting (the example of USA); development of principles of professional conduct at the Public Television of Armenia; political culture and professional ethics on the Armenian air.
“The Role of European Integration and Criteria of Sociopolitical Reforms in Armenia” – June 9-10, 2006, Goris, Syunik region, Seminar, organized by Yerevan Press Club and Friedrich Ebert Foundation. Participants (25 in number) represented media, NGOs, journalistic associations. Main issues discussed: European Neighborhood Policy as the main direction of Armenia’s European integration; results of the monitoring of democratic reforms in Armenia; role of NGOs and media in the process of democratic reforms; civil society oversight mechanisms in the process of reforms; steps to strengthen the human rights, freedom of expression and information practices; rule of law and fight against corruption as the main components of the democratic reforms.
“Media and Elections” – June 11, 2006, Kapan, Syunik region, Seminar, organized by Yerevan Press Club. Participants (20 in number) were the heads, representatives of the Syunik media. Main issues discussed: the coverage of elections campaigns of 2003 and the Constitution Referendum of 2005 by national and regional media; role and targets of the civil society and media during the elections of 2007/2008.
“Cooperation of Media, Journalistic and Other NGOs to Develop Freedom of Speech and Press” – May 4-5, 2006, Yerevan, Seminar, organized by Yerevan Press Club. Participants (15 in number) represented NGOs, regional media. Main issues discussed: YPC strategy on networking of journalistic communities of Yerevan and the regions of Armenia; the possibilities for the improvement of media legislation, activation of work to protect rights of journalists; “Partnership for Open Society” initiative and freedom of expression development; cooperation between regional media and NGOs, development of their potential.
“Lessons of the Coverage of Referendum on Amendments to RA Constitution and Objectives of Media in the Coming Elections” – February 25-26, 2006, Gyumri, Armenia, seminar, organized by Yerevan Press Club and Friedrich Ebert Foundation. The participants (35 in number) represented journalistic associations, media, heads of regional TV companies, press-services of state structures and political parties of Armenia. Main issues discussed: legal regulation of the coverage of referenda and elections; the results of monitorings of the coverage of November 27, 2005 referendum on the amendments to RA Constitution; regional media in political campaigns; the issue of public awareness during elections and referenda; culture of political discussions in media; initiative of journalistic associations on promoting pluralism on air.
