On May 4, the US ambassador to Armenia, Kristina Kvien, organized a reception for representatives of the Armenian media sphere and interested parties on World Press Freedom Day. In his speech, Ambassador Kvien emphasized the critical role of the free press in informing citizens in a democratic society and ensuring the accountability of the government and those in power.
“The press plays a critical role in facilitating the open exchange of information and ideas, keeping people informed, and holding those in power accountable, which are vital to any democratic society,” Ambassador Kvien said.
The ambassador referred to the support provided by the United States to the media sphere of Armenia, mainly through the programs of USAID and the Office of Public Diplomacy.
In March of this year, USAID signed a 15 million USD agreement with the American Internews Network organization for the implementation of the “Media Program in Armenia” project, which will work with local NGOs dealing with the development of the media sphere, in particular, the “Center for Media Initiatives” and with “Yerevan Press Club” and “Zinc Network” international group. The project aims to strengthen Armenia’s information domain by improving journalistic standards and quality of content, promoting competitiveness and financial viability of mass media of interest to the public, and providing a favorable environment for independent information flows.
The Office of Public Diplomacy of the US Embassy has announced the investment of 2.3 million US dollars, which will be directed to the implementation of programs for the exchange of journalistic experience and the formation of a master’s program of journalistic education in Armenia. The first component is the Armenian-American professional interaction project intended for professional journalists. The second is an Armenian-American university cooperation program, through which a center of journalism excellence will be formed in one of the Armenian universities. Additional details about these initiatives will be released later this year.
