Public Television of Armenia
Public Television of Armenia, also known as Armenia 1, 1TV, or AMPTV, stands as the nation’s official public broadcaster. Its roots stretch back to Soviet-era transmissions, with its inaugural program airing November 29, 1956, and regular broadcasts commencing in February 1957.
Media assets
Television: 1TV
State Media Matrix Typology
Ownership and governance
Under the 2000 Law on Television and Radio Broadcasting, AMPTV operates as a “state enterprise with special status.” Its governing body, the Council of the Public Broadcaster, comprises seven members, six of whom are appointed by the Prime Minister. . Such a structure suggests considerable executive influence over the broadcaster’s strategic direction.
Source of funding and budget
AMPTV’s operations are primarily bankrolled via state financing. In 2022, it received approximately AMD 5.27 billion (around US $12.1 million), plus nominal advertising and sponsorship revenue of about AMD 1.2 million. Projections for 2025 cite an allocation nearing US $17 million—marking a notable increase in public investment.
Editorial independence
Legislation formally pledges editorial autonomy for public media, yet the operational reality is more complex. Critics point to AMPTV’s recurrent role as a pro-government propaganda channel, an observation echoed in independent assessments.
In March 2025, journalist watchdogs highlighted that “public television does not serve the interests of the people but functions as a propaganda tool for the authorities,” noting the imbalance in coverage and lack of editorial plurality. Recent developments have amplified these concerns: Prime Minister Pashinyan’s wife, Anna Hakobyan, secured free prime-time slots on AMPTV for her “Learning is Trendy” campaign, raising ethical and financial questions in the run‑up to the 2026 parliamentary elections.
August 2025