Our liberty depends on the freedom of the press, and that cannot be limited without being lost. – Thomas Jefferson
Europe & Eurasia
Armenia
 |
 |
| IREX Score: 2.09 | [IREX Methodology] |
| {Higher is Better, Score Ranges from 0 to 4.00} |
IREX Description:
Over the years panelists have noted that constitutional and legislative norms are in compliance with international practices and provide for free speech and freedom of expression, but the prevailing practice in enforcement—or lack thereof—limits free speech, particularly as many journalists practice self-censorship. Professional standards and ethics, especially in print media, are still matters of deep concern. The opposition press openly reviles government and pro-government circles, while pro-government media respond in kind. The overall score for Armenia showed solid improvement, driven by increases in most of the objectives.
The most remarkable improvement came in Objective 1, freedom of speech, primarily as a result of decriminalization of libel and defamation laws and the government's finally moving forward with awarding broadcast licenses. Objectives 2, professional journalism, and 5, supporting institutions, also received better scores. Objective 4, business management, was the only objective to decrease in score, and even then only slightly.
| Freedom House Score: 65 (Not Free) | [Freedom House Methodology] |
| {Lower is Better, Score Ranges from 0 to 100} |
Freedom House Description:
The media environment deteriorated significantly in early 2008, with harassment increasing before and after the February presidential election. Throughout the year, incidents of violence, legal intimidation, and financial pressure continued to restrict the free flow of information, particularly among broadcast media. The constitution and legal statutes protect freedom of the press, but in practice these rights are often threatened. Libel remains a criminal offense, and despite legislation that provides access to public information, such access is frequently denied to the media.
Read more on Freedom House’s site…
| RSF Score: 27.50 | [RSF Methodology] |
| {Lower is Better, Score Ranges from 0 to ~120} |
No Description, but Visit RSF's Site for Recent Developments in this Country
| Committee to Protect Journalists Description: | [What is the Committee to Protect Journalists?] |
Top Developments
• New broadcast law gives regulators broad powers to revoke TV licenses.
• Gala TV, a rare critical broadcaster, faces array of government pressures.
Key Statistic
1: Number of digital television licenses the government will grant per region. The plan will cut diversity.
As his government strengthened ties with Russia, President Serzh Sargsyan had to quell lingering domestic discontent over electoral fraud and economic woes, particularly in the construction and mining industries. New legislation granted regulators broad new powers to award and revoke licenses, while putting severe limits on the number of provincial broadcast licenses. Self-censorship remained widespread in the media, as lawlessness curbed the activities of journalists, human rights defenders, and opposition leaders.
| IFEX News: | [What is IFEX?] |
Printer-friendly version