Public Television of Armenia, known also as Armenia 1, is the public television broadcaster in Armenia whose history dates back to 1956.
Media assets
Television: 1TV
State Media Matrix Typology: State-Controlled (SC)
Ownership and governance
The Public Television of Armenia was established as a “state enterprise with a special status” by the Law on Television and Radio Broadcasting of 2000. The highest authority at the Public Television of Armenia is the Council of Public Broadcaster, with seven members, six of whom are appointed by the country’s Prime Minister.
Source of funding and budget
Most of the budget of the Public Television of Armenia comes from a state grant, which is roughly AMD 6bn (US$ 11m) a year, according to annual reports published by the broadcaster. According to the latest report from the broadcaster, Public Television of Armenia received a government subsidy of AMD 5.27bn (US$ 12.1m) in 2022. It generated some AMD 1.2m from advertising and sponsorship in the same year.
Editorial independence
The legislation in Armenia puts forward a series of provisions meant to secure the broadcaster’s editorial independence. Yet, in reality, the public television in Armenia is a mere propaganda tool used to promote the interests of the state.
No domestic statute or independent assessment or oversight mechanism to validate the independence of the Public Television of Armenia have been identified.
September 2023