– The propaganda for the referendum has already begun. Are there any political forces who have asked you to provide them with leased access in order for them to continue the propaganda? Have you estimated the amount needed to be paid for a one minute commercial?
– I think that Public Television does not need to be involved in transactions when it comes to the referendum propaganda. I think it will be better if Public Television gives the political parties, in other words, the people who say “yes” or “no” to have free public access on television. There are ways to do that. I don’t think that this is a means to make money. I mean, this is not a presidential or parliamentary election. For example, during the district elections, we took into consideration the fact that there are villages and we lowered the price for public access, by the decision of the board. As for the referendum, we will try to clarify some things with the government. In any case, Public Television does not have a goal set to receive income out of all this. It is our duty and we must do it for free.”
– Has there been anyone yet?
– No, for the time being. We have invited some political figures and I can assure you that there will be round table discussions, forums and other programs being broadcasted on public television. The entire process will be shown on television; we will show how both sides say “yes” or “no” and make their propaganda a reality.
– When the National Assembly was discussing the law about “adding and making changes to the referendum”, the coalition rejected the offer proposed by the opposition for providing free public television access to National Assembly political parties and/or groups. Now, since that is forbidden by law, how are you going to try providing them with free public television access?
– We will find a way. We have the right to prepare programs ourselves. Those programs will run periodically. Political figures from the National Assembly and other political parties and professionals will also take part. Besides, the law does not forbid free access. The wording is simply a little strange. It is said that during elections, public radio and television must give an equal opportunity to both political figures and the people. It is obvious that that we have to give access to the majority because there are 67 political parties in Armenia and more than 3 million people. Can you imagine what would happen if we were to give all those people free access?
– What are you going to do in order to keep the equality?
– That is the problem. In my opinion, equality is what happened during the National Assembly elections when more than twenty political parties were participating and the people appreciated the fact that we had maintained the equality. The international standard is the following: there are major political forces. If you give them equal time, equal opportunity, then you already maintain equality. First of all, public access will be given to the National Assembly, including the coalition, the opposition and independent deputies. Then come, in my opinion, the political parties who, even though are not enlisted in the National Assembly as political parties, nevertheless, they are parties which have played major roles in strengthening the nation. For example, the Armenian National Movement, for it was during that time when the first Constitutional Amendment was passed, or Paruyr Hayrikyan’s National Autonomous Union, which has led the conferences held for the constitutional amendments for a long time. I think we will be able to provide everyone with some time and there will not be too many programs for an authority figure to come and make a long speech for saying “yes”. There will be several interviews with different political leaders referring to that.
– However, don’t you consider the fear that there might be a violation in maintaining equality and there will be some programs featuring opposition members whose speeches have been edited? If that happens, that will be a main reason for the opposition to reject your free access.
– But we are going to go live. Why should there be any fear?
– Are all programs going to be live?
– Yes, primarily. For example, nobody from the “Fifth Wheel” talk show has complained, and they invite both the authorities and the opposition up until now. It is obvious that if they talk for one and a half hour, but the program lasts 45 minutes, then some things are left out. Those things that are left out make room for the constitutional amendment discussions. In that case, people’s opinions will be expressed and stay in the minds of the viewers because that is what the program is all about. The rest of the programs will be live and there will be no need to edit them.
– The media spread some rumors that Public Television, in particular you, had received a warning from the president to “make it so that” free public access is not provided to the active representatives of the opposition Aram Z. Sargsyan and Victor Dalakyan. What can you say about this? Are you going to provide them with public access?
– I have said this before and I will say it again. The only person who can give orders to the staff working at Public Television and Radio is me and I have not given such orders. Nobody else from any other department can make decisions. The only department that can make decisions is the board.
– Can Public Television form a temporary council, which will remain neutral and keep the propaganda objective? After all, the programs broadcasted on public television are in favor of the constitution and that can be clearly seen during the programs.
– Yes, it is obvious. It can reflect during the programs. But I also say that in any country, the president of public television elects somebody during the presidential or National Assembly elections as well as says “yes” or “no” at a referendum. Basically, I can not lose my right to vote.