As we have already informed, some private TV channels presented their advertising rates per one minute of broadcasting during a conversation with www.aravot.am, which, according to the Electoral Code, the TV and radio companies that provide broadcasting time during the election campaign must make public not later than ten days after the election date is announced. www.aravot.am inquired of some candidates whether the fixed advertising rates were rational and affordable and whether they would use paid political advertisement or not.
Paruyr Hayrikyan, the leader of the Union for National Self-Determination (UNSD), who has already stated about announcing his candidacy for president, said: “Under the conditions of Armenia, it is not only irrational, but also unhealthy set the price of one minute of broadcasting on the Public Television higher than the two-month minimum wage. This means that a candidate earning the minimum wage must work 21 000 minutes to pay for one minute of broadcasting time, which means that for one hour, which is the very least that is necessary, he must work for 21 000 hours. Let me say that 21 000 hours mean 2 625 workdays or 3 675 days, including rest days. Thus, a person who earns the minimum wage and wishes to serve the people must work more than ten years – but not eat, drink, heat, wash, shave, go to doctor, dress etc. – in order to be able to express his ideas to the public that misses his services for just one hour. I can work under those conditions thanks to the help of my sponsors, because I have supporters, and it is about our people and our fatherland. However, it would be appropriate to match the minimum wage and, at least, the advertising rate on the Public Television. Since it is not about commercials, is it? Let us note for the sake of impartiality that there will be minutes for free, but there is a presentiment that under the conditions of artificially increased number of candidates, they may be dissipated or, what is more dangerous, be used to endorse a certain ‘candidate’ through false candidates.”
Arman Melikyan, another candidate for president, noted: “Particularly in the case of the Public Television, the so-called political advertisement is unacceptable. The Public
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Television is supposed to defend the interests and rights of the Armenian citizens and must insure not only our awareness, but also equal opportunities for all candidates. If the Public Television charges money for advertisement, it violates this principle, since candidates and political forces that have more money gain an advantage. Taking into account the fact that in Armenia, participants in corrupted processes have more money, this approach of the Public Television also encourages the very antisocial behavior, which absolutely contradicts the principles the Public Television declared. I personally think that paid political advertisement is a bad thing, I haven’t used it before, and if I decide to participate in this presidential election, I will not use this TV service this time either.”
Tatev HARUTYUNYAN
