Armenian media experts join the MERIT debate

MERIT is short for Media, Exchange, Regulation, Integration, Transparency and the initiative is a way to facilitate a professional exchange of experience, expertise and knowledge among stakeholders from Denmark, the EU (particularly Brussels), Ukraine – and now Armenia.

Joining events in Copenhagen in November 2025 and debates among other media experts from the MERIT network, Armenian experts stressed the need to strengthen mechanisms for ensuring ownership transparency. 

Other challenges relevant to Armenia:

• Although Armenia’s Law on Audio-visual Media requires broadcasters to disclose ownership information, print and online outlets were long exempt from these obligations. Even after amendments in 2021, the state registry lacks authority to verify the accuracy of data, creating risks of falsification and media concentration in the hands of a few groups.
• The role of Armenia’s Television and Radio Commission (TRC) is limited to radio and television, while online and print outlets remain largely unregulated. The absence of antitrust safeguards fosters media concentration and political influence over editorial policies.
• Information attacks and manipulative campaigns are on the rise ahead of upcoming elections, with gender-based disinformation and smear campaigns against journalists posing serious challenges. Tools are needed to protect the information space, including factchecker certification and a national strategy to counter disinformation.
• Independent media face resource shortages and risk economic dependency, which undermines editorial independence.
• Participants highlighted the need to strengthen self-regulation systems, including introducing a media ombudsman and ethics councils, following European best practices.

Armenian experts in the MERIT Forum

Dr. Varduhi Petrosyan is a professor with 23 years of experience in teaching at the Faculty of Journalism at Yerevan State University and has served as press secretary with The Armenian Republic’s Chief Compulsory Officer.

“Throughout my career, I have been exploring issues of media self-regulation and regulation. I am interested in media law, media ethics, freedom of information and the role of AI in media.

I view it as key to equip students and colleagues in Armenia with up-to-date knowledge of media law and ethical standards. I look forward to meaningful discussions in the MERIT network and exchange of experiences and drawing inspiration from the EU’s best practices.”

Davit Alaverdyan, Editor-in-chief of Mediamax Media Company, Doctor of Yerevan State University, Faculty of Journalism and Law.

Dr. Davit Alaverdyan is a media manager with 34 years of experience in journalism and communications. He begun his career in 1991 as a journalist at National TV of Armenia. Later he worked as a journalist and editor in different print and broadcasting media. Since 1999, he has served as Chief Editor of Mediamax Media Company.

Mr. Alaverdyan is associate professor at the Journalism Department of Yerevan State University. He is a PhD in Media Studies. Since 2004 Davit Alaverdyan is a chairman of Armenian Online Media and Reporters Association. Since 2021, he has been a member of Armenian Media Ethics Observatory and Internet Governance Forum of Armenia. In 2023–2024, he was a member of the Armenian team at ITP Media Project for Armenia, Moldova and Ukraine. 

“I believe Armenia’s media sector can serve as a model for democratic media development in the region. Through the MERIT Forum, I aim to contribute to building a media environment that is not only free and independent but also equipped with the knowledge and tools necessary to defend democracy against contemporary threats while embracing European values and standards.

The opportunity to connect with Armenian, Ukrainian, Danish and EU stakeholders will enable me to bring back best practices and build lasting partnerships that will benefit Armenia’s media landscape for years to come. I am particularly interested in learning from the implementation of the European Media Freedom Act (EMFA) and the Digital Services Act (DSA), as these frameworks could provide valuable models for Armenian legislation.”

Founder and chairman of the council of Journalists’ Club in Gyumri. Former member of Gyumri City Council (2012–2016–2021). Chairman of the Board of Trustees of Shirak State University.

1992–2020 managerial roles at various local media. Levon Barseghyan received degrees as geologist-geophysicist and journalist-photo correspondent from Yerevan State University (1991).

Arevik Sahakyan, Executive director and founder, Factor TV. Arevik Sahakyan has over 20 years of experience in Armenian media. She has worked as a reporter, political debate host, editor-in-chief and communications specialist. Since 2016 president of the Factor Information Center NGO. Since 2017, founder and executive director of Factor TV, one of Armenia’s leading independent online media outlets committed to public-interest journalism. Member of the Media Ethics Observatory.

“I am delighted to take part in the MERIT Forum to deepen my understanding of European media regulation frameworks and to explore how they can reinforce self-regulation and editorial independence. I also look forward to exchanging ideas and developing meaningful partnerships with colleagues across the region.”

Tatev Danielyan, Editor-in-chief and political programme host, Public Television of Armenia. Tatev Danielyan is an Armenian journalist and television host with over 15 years of professional experience in broadcast media. She holds a degree from the Armenian State Pedagogical University and has worked with several major media outlets, including Kentron TV and Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty. Currently she hosts two political talk shows, “The Great Debate” and “Public Discussion”, on Public Television of Armenia.

In addition to her broadcasting career, Tatev lectures at the Faculty of Journalism at Yerevan State University, sharing her professional experience with future journalists.

“I am particularly interested in using the upcoming discussions and meetings to learn more on how to strengthen the culture of debate and raise media ethics in Armenia. I am also ready to share my own experience of working in a highly polarized political environment marked by hate speech and intolerance.”

Background

The MERIT Forum is a component in IMS’ (International Media Support) Eastern Partnership programme REACH: Media partnerships for accountability and trust, which is funded by the Danish Ministry of Foreign Affairs. REACH aims to contribute to a more democratic, inclusive and resilient information environment. Through the MERIT Forum IMS will facilitate capacity sharing and professional exchange on media laws, policies and practices with EU legislation, in line with international standards and with a strong focus on a human rights-based approach (HRBA) and diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI).

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