Armenia to Tighten Requirements for TV and Radio Content Quality and Digital Hygiene

YEREVAN, February 3. /ARKA/. Armenia plans to tighten requirements for the quality and digital hygiene of TV and radio program content within the public multiplex, announced High-Tech Industry Minister Mkhitar Hayrapetyan during a discussion at the National Assembly committee.

On Tuesday, the parliamentary committee on science, education, culture, diaspora, youth, and sports approved a bill amending the Law on Audiovisual Media. At the committee meeting, Hayrapetyan presented the main provisions of the document.

"This content, while creating new opportunities for television viewers, also brings about risks and challenges. Specifically, the bill will prohibit the distribution of content that aims to violently overthrow the constitutional order, promotes violence and cruelty, disseminates pornography and erotica, and broadcasts films and audiovisual programs that include elements of a criminal subculture," the minister emphasized.

Additionally, it is suggested to prohibit the dissemination of content that seeks to interfere in Armenia's domestic political affairs through foreign television and radio programs.

According to Hayrapetyan, the bill also clarifies the legal foundations, criteria, and mechanisms for suspending and revoking licenses for network operators. "The requirements concerning the operations of audiovisual program distributors have been reviewed and revised.

Changes and additions have been made to the section that regulates penalties, including those related to illegal activities. A new article has been introduced that defines the process for suspending and terminating a network operator's license," Hayrapetyan stated.-0-