There is some tension in government-media relations in any country. The authorities do not like the press, and it is natural, it can not be otherwise. The government’s favorite print or electronic means, in essence, are not a press, but simply bulletins of formal decisions, news and views, which, of course, have their place in public life. The rest is a press, which, I am repeating, regardless of its orientation and level, is irritating the authorities. Simply, the officials in democratic society are able to manage their own nerves, realizing that the media is, however, necessary. During totalitarian regime, the press was banned, only official bulletins were authorized. Interim events are taken in the countries of interim phase.
It is, of course, possible to close and ban all newspapers without hesitation. But, in this case there is too much headache, the democratic ambassadors begin to complain, express concern, send reports, etc. Naturally, nothing is changed, but those formal movements of great democratic teachers cause some discomfort. Therefore, more elaborate form is designed, to administratively hand in the press media to someone else, who, by the way, quickly fails the task assigned thereto from above. This method was first applied to “A1” independent TV studio, where the author of these lines participated in the creation of its image. The administrative manipulation studio was separated from the staff creating the “A1” name.
The next was “Lragir” newspaper. This paper was acquired popularity thanks to the efforts of Haykazn Ghahriyan and his friends. Again, the fragile nerves of an official did not stand, and the newspaper was transferred to others, and completely different people started to work under the name of “Lragir”. (to the point, if they had the talent and resources to publish the daily, why didn’t they call their new paper by another name). Fortunately, “true” creative staff of “Lragir” was able to continue the work by publishing “Lragir day” newspaper.
Now the “Azg”, which, of course, became one of the most prestigious newspapers in Armenia thanks to hard work of Hakob Avetikyan, Hamlet Gasparyan, Hakob Asatryan and other talented journalists. Does the Central Committee of the Liberal Democratic Party want to have a newspaper? Very well. Let it have 10 of it, if it is authorized by the law. But, why with the name “Azg” that does not belong to any political party, but above all the property of the reader. And, it is still a question whether Mr. Avetikyan will succeed to publish “Azg Day” or “Azg X” newspaper.
To be honest, in this story I am not interested at all in Liberal Democratic Party, neither in ADLA. Let all the parties forgive me, their passions and conflicts are seen very small from the side. The destiny of “Azg” newspaper is important, a newspaper, which during its five and a half years contributed to the formation of the political culture with its high professionalism, and mostly sober and balanced posture trying to transfer civilized character to our social life.
…And I rush to tell our nervous government officials: “Azg” and all the other papers do not constitute the slightest threat to any political power and an official, and do not impede. But support the public.
ARAM ABRAHAMYAN
24.04.1996
