Launched in November 2003 the "Partnership for Open Society" initiative is an open coalition of a number of interested civil society actors in Armenia. The Partnership strives towards promotion of democratic reform process in Armenia.
Do you think the number of broadcast programs with tasteless, harmful and low-quality content has decreased after the National Committee on TV/Radio adopted the new criteria?
The mission of the Partnership for Open Society in the sphere of media and freedom of speech is to facilitate development of independent and quality media and availability of objective and topical information to the public.
This can be accomplished through three main directions:
1. Shape a demand for quality information that would meet the societal needs and interests and foster democratic development of the country
In view of the present political dependence of mass media, search for alternative ways to form a demand for objective media in the information market that would respond to broad societal interests;
Implement activities aimed at helping the media players to make the utmost of the available market resources as independent business actors; streamline the efforts and resources of donor agencies towards stimulation of publications and broadcasts that meet societal needs and quality media coverage standards;
Pay special attention to plurality of opinion in TV broadcasting; support the appearance of independent broadcasters in the market.
2. Improve media-related legislation, its harmonization with international standards and international commitments undertaken by Armenia
Radical improvement of the RA Law "On Television and Radio", in particular, strengthened guarantees of independence of regulatory bodies in broadcasting;
Improvement of the Law "On Mass Communication";
Insurance of adequate implementation of the Law "On Freedom of Information";
Decriminalization of libel and insult.
3. Introduction of media self-regulation principles
Liberalization of legislation in the field of information along with elimination and prevention of the conflicts in the field through following unified norms of professional conduct and training of the journalist community;
Support the elaboration and adoption of Code of Ethics for journalists by mass media organizations and journalist associations, as well as formation of mechanisms and structures supporting the implementation of self-regulation principles in the sphere of mass media.
Discussion of 2009 Civil Society Report on European Neighborhood Policy (ENP) implementation
«Partnership for Open Society» (POS) Initiative, representing more than sixty civil society organizations, is pleased to invite you to the discussion of 2009 Civil Society Report on European Neighborhood Policy (ENP) implementation, which will take place on March 3, 14:00-17:30 in the Ball Room of Congress hotel.
Statement on Association Agreements between the EU and Armenia
On May 10, 2010, the EU General Affairs Council approved the negotiating directives for the future Association Agreements between the EU and Armenia. It is stated that deepening of the relationship between the EU and the countries of the South Caucasus are to progress on the basis of shared values and principles, including democracy, the rule of law and respect for human rights.
Mass media and freedom of speech
