By Vestnik Kavkaza
Last week a group of journalists from the South Caucasus republics visited Moscow. They met their colleagues from Vestnik Kavkaza, and its editor-in-chief spoke to each of the guests. Today we present an interview with journalist Ashot Safaryan from Armenia.
- Is it easy to be a journalist in Armenia?
- I wouldn’t say so. A lot depends on the personal skills of a potential journalist. I believe that, to be a journalist, one should have wide views, a certain intellectual level and health conditions to cover developments quickly, so, you need to move a lot.
- This is about those who cover political issues. Is there business journalism in Armenia?
- Working in business media is connected with walking as well – presentations, meeting people and experts from the sphere. However, in general business is safer than politics. I cover political events.
- Have you ever got some interesting and bright material that couldn’t be published for some reason? Did you suppress your ambitions then?
- I don’t want to be arriviste, but the media where I am working, ArmInfo, tries to be balanced and cover events, facts, and realities as independently as possible. So I can honestly say that have had no such situations. If I have material, if it is interesting, if it is full of facts, I can and should publish it.
- Do politicians take offence at journalists in Armenia?
- They do. Recently there was an incident in the parliament – an MP from the ruling party met an opposition journalist in a hall. And both of them acted unprofessionally and unethically…
- I believe MPs should restrain their tempers and understand that there is no politics without journalists. Information is the basis of politics. Do you agree?
- Of course I do!
- Do you think the Armenian political culture has any specific characteristics?
- It is the desire of our officials to deal with journalists so they don't publish information they provide, because sad consequences can follow this. At the same time, many of them avoid acute topics and meetings, and don’t encourage our activity.
- There is an idea of an Internet portal, like a social network, where young professionals, journalists from Russia, the South Caucasus states, and probably Kazakhstan could exchange experience. Do you think the idea is appealing to Armenian journalists? Will it be interesting for you?
- For sure, because the current level of Armenian journalism should be improved, notwithstanding its advantages. I think it is appealing.
