Armenian Public Radio Refuses to Re-Sign Contract for Popular RFE/RL Programs
Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (RFE/RL) and its oversight agency, the U.S. Broadcasting Board of Governors (BBG) expressed dismay at Armenian Public Radio’s rejection of a new contract to continue carrying programs of RFE/RL’s Armenian Service.
RFE/RL Armenian programs have been aired on Armenian Public Radio — Armenia’s top radio network — since 1998, where they have earned the trust of a significant number of listeners. Survey data shows that 15 percent of Armenian adults listen to RFE/RL programs each week.
Three days of discussions in Yerevan, Armenia last week between U.S. and Armenian broadcast officials ended without agreement on a new contract to replace one that had lapsed in February.
“Our delegation was asked to go to Yerevan to iron out some minor technical issues and conclude a contract to extend this successful partnership,