OSCE Office supports reform of Armenian Public Service Broadcasting

YEREVAN, 18 July 2008 - Two experts from the BBC World Service Trust will conclude a one-week visit today aimed at assessing Armenian Public Television's needs for long-term development and training programmes. The assessment is part of a project commissioned by the OSCE Office in Yerevan.

The visit follows a 2006 report by the OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media that stressed that despite its transformation from state to public television in 2001, Armenian Public Television "has yet to play its role as a public-service broadcaster".

The experts met with the key personnel and reviewed management and editorial policies. They also studied the journalists' reporting methods and shadowed journalists and editors. In addition, they met with media experts, journalists and critics to assess public perceptions of the programming.

"This is a unique opportunity to get a comprehensive insight into Armenian Public Television's editorial policy as well as its management structure and various programming strands," said Michael Randall, Projects Manager for the BBC World Service Trust. "Our initial discussions with the station's senior managers have been encouraging, although the strong focus on market ratings and commercial success is a cause for concern."

The findings of the assessment will be presented in a report that will include recommendations on how the broadcaster can design programming that better fits its public service mandate while catering for the different interests and groups in the society. The report will also explore the broadcaster's needs for on-site training workshops and staff development.

The report, expected to be finished in two months, will be made public and discussed in forums with participants representing media, NGOs and the public.