New Regulations in the Law on Audiovisual Media: The National Assembly Adopts the Bill in the Second Reading

The National Assembly has fully adopted, in its second reading, the bill “On Amendments and Addenda to the Law on Audiovisual Media,” with 64 deputies voting in favor, none against, and 21 abstaining.

The amendments were presented by the Minister of High-Tech Industry of the Republic of Armenia, Mkhitar Hayrapetyan, at the National Assembly session on February 4.

Elaborating on the changes, Mkhitar Hayrapetyan noted that the following provisions have been revised within the proposed legislative amendments:

· The regulatory body’s function concerning the oversight of compliance with technical standards for audiovisual programs.

· In cases where a broadcaster’s authorization or license is suspended or revoked, the regulatory state body will notify both the multiplex and network operators airing the program within three days to ensure the immediate cessation of the broadcast.

· A new requirement has been introduced for submitting an application to participate in the licensing competition for a public multiplex slot. Specifically, applicants must now attach a certificate confirming the absence of overdue debts and obligations related to broadcasting services.

· The conditions for the suspension and termination of authorization and licenses have also been reviewed.

Sisak Gabrielyan, Chairman of the NA Standing Committee on Science, Education, Culture, Diaspora, Youth, and Sport, presented a related report, noting that the committee had given a positive conclusion to the bill.

The bill was developed by the RA Ministry of High-Tech Industry.