OSCE Office brings in international experience to assist Armenia in preparations for switch to digital broadcasting

YEREVAN, 30 September, 2010 - The experience of switching from analogue to digital broadcasting, and the challenges and opportunities presented by such switchover was in focus at an OSCE-organized seminar today in Yerevan. 

The seminar brought together local broadcasters, representatives from the media industry, government, civil society and other stakeholders to learn about international experiences in the digital convergence. Participants also discussed legal and regulatory matters related to the digital transition process.

"Digitalization should bring more diversity and plurality in the broadcasting media landscape. Well-thought switchover policies and sound legal framework are needed to pave the way for a successful transition," said the Head of the OSCE Office in Yerevan, Ambassador Sergey Kapinos. "We call on the Armenian authorities to continue media law reform to address the existing legal loopholes. The OSCE is ready to assist in this endeavor."

An expert from Latvia Andris Mellakauls said: "This is a valuable opportunity to learn from the experience of other countries, in order to avoid major pitfalls that often occur in the switchover process, and to ensure smooth transition to the new media in the years to come".

Recently introduced amendments to Armenia's broadcasting legislation envisage switchover to digital broadcasting by 2015. Tenders for issuing new licenses to broadcast in a digital mode have already been launched; the licenses will be awarded for a ten-year period.

The seminar was organized by the OSCE Office in Yerevan as part of a project to promote public discussions on broadcasting digitalization in Armenia. The project is financed by the Swedish Government.