On 10 December, the second online meeting took place between experts from the National Council and the Commission on TV and Radio of Armenia. The consultations continue in line with the agreements reached in October during the visit of the Chair of the National Council, Olha Herasymiuk, to Yerevan.
During the first conversation, the focus was on exchanging experience in media monitoring, countering propaganda and disinformation, as well as regulating online content. The second meeting continued this dialogue, concentrating on the legal aspects of media regulation.
The Ukrainian side presented updates to media legislation, including provisions on combating disinformation, hate speech and propaganda content, as well as the regulator’s response mechanisms – from warnings to fines and temporary suspension of broadcasters’ activities. The discussion also covered the implementation of European standards, in particular the Audiovisual Media Services Directive, and preparations for the implementation of the European Media Freedom Act (EMFA) and the Digital Services Act (DSA).
The Armenian media regulator presented the specifics of its own media regulation system:
- the structure of legal regulation, which currently covers traditional television and radio but does not extend to online media;
- requirements for media ownership transparency;
- rules for licensing and authorization of broadcasters and operators.
Participants also discussed the next steps in aligning national regulations with European standards. They also addressed the challenges arising from differences in terminology and approaches between Ukrainian, Armenian, and European legislation.
Both sides emphasized the value of professional exchange, which helps to better understand the current challenges of the information environment and to seek effective regulatory solutions.
The consultation meetings are held within the framework of the Memorandum of cooperation in the area of broadcasting regulation between the National Council and the Commission on TV and Radio of Armenia, signed on 14 September 2021.
The next meeting, dedicated to discussing media licensing issues, will take place in a week.
