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| Armenpress | |
|---|---|
| Name | Armenpress |
| Native name | ՀՀ միջազգային տեղեկությունների գործակալություն |
| Founded | 1918 |
| Founder | First Republic of Armenia |
| Headquarters | Yerevan |
| Country | Armenia |
| Language | Armenian language, Russian language, English language |
| Website | Armenpress.am |
Armenpress Armenpress is the national news agency of Armenia established during the period of the First Republic of Armenia. It serves as a primary source of official reporting on events in Yerevan, Artsakh, Syunik Province, and across the Armenian diaspora communities in Russia, France, United States, and Lebanon. The agency produces text, photo, audio, and video materials used by outlets such as Public Television Company of Armenia, Hayastani Hanrapetutyun, Hetq, and international services like Reuters, Agence France-Presse, and Interfax.
Founded in 1918 under the auspices of the First Republic of Armenia, the agency reported on the aftermath of the Armenian Genocide, the Battle of Sardarabad, and the diplomatic efforts at the Treaty of Sèvres and later the Treaty of Kars. During the period of the Soviet Union, it was reorganized to align with institutions such as the Communist Party of the Soviet Union and the TASS system, covering events like the Nagorno-Karabakh Autonomous Oblast tensions, the Spitak earthquake, and the rise of the Karabakh movement. Following the dissolution of the Soviet Union and the independence of Armenia in 1991, the agency adapted to a pluralistic media landscape influenced by actors including Levon Ter-Petrosyan, Robert Kocharyan, and Serzh Sargsyan, while interacting with private outlets such as Azatutyun and Armtimes.
The agency operates from a headquarters in Yerevan with regional bureaus covering provinces including Lori Province, Tavush Province, Armavir Province, and Vayots Dzor Province. Its governance has been shaped by legislation like statutes passed by the National Assembly (Armenia) and oversight from ministries such as the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (Armenia) and the Ministry of Internal Affairs (Armenia), while maintaining professional links to bodies like the Union of Journalists of Armenia and the European Broadcasting Union. Editorial leadership historically interacted with figures such as Hovhannes Tumanyan-era literati and later editors tied to administrations of Nikol Pashinyan and predecessors. The agency employs journalists, photographers, videographers, translators, and IT specialists who collaborate with international organizations including UNESCO, OSCE, and the Council of Europe.
Armenpress produces multi-language dispatches in Armenian language, Russian language, and English language covering politics, culture, sports, business, and science. Content formats include wired bulletins consumed by broadcasters like Shant TV and Kentron TV, photo services used by agencies such as Getty Images and Bloomberg, and archival collections referenced by researchers at institutions like Matenadaran and universities including Yerevan State University and American University of Armenia. The agency provides press releases for state entities such as the Presidency of Armenia, the Prime Minister of Armenia (office), and the Ministry of Defense (Armenia), as well as special coverage of cultural festivals like Tbilisi International Film Festival and sporting events involving clubs like FC Pyunik and Armenia national football team.
As a state-associated information source, the agency plays a role in national dialogue during moments such as the 2018 Armenian revolution, the 2020 Nagorno-Karabakh war, and parliamentary elections involving parties like Civil Contract (Armenia), Bright Armenia, and Armenian Revolutionary Federation. Its reporting is often syndicated by public broadcasters including Armenian Public Radio and private newspapers such as Haykakan Zhamanak. The agency’s influence intersects with civic actors like Human Rights Defender of Armenia and non-governmental organizations including Transparency International (Armenia) during debates on media freedom and transparency promoted by instruments from the European Union and Council of Europe.
Armenpress maintains news exchange agreements and cooperation with agencies such as TASS, Xinhua, Anadolu Agency, Agence France-Presse, and Deutsche Welle. It distributes content to embassies in Yerevan, missions to the United Nations, and diaspora media outlets in cities like Los Angeles, Paris, Moscow, and Beirut. Collaborative projects have included archival digitization with partners such as the British Library and training programs supported by USAID and the European Union to enhance capacities in fact-checking and multimedia journalism.
Critics, including journalists from Hetq, commentators associated with Yerevan Press Club, and watchdogs such as Reporters Without Borders, have raised concerns about editorial independence, alleged state influence during administrations of Robert Kocharyan and Serzh Sargsyan, and coverage bias in conflicts like the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. Debates around accreditation practices have involved courts such as the Constitutional Court of Armenia and led to scrutiny from international observers during election monitoring missions from the OSCE Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights. Accusations have also emerged concerning rivalry with independent services like CivilNet and the role of state media regulation by bodies such as the Ministry of Culture (Armenia).
The agency and its staff have received honors and awards including state medals conferred by the President of Armenia, journalistic prizes from the Union of Journalists of Armenia, and international recognition from organizations like UNESCO for archival preservation projects. Photographers and correspondents have been shortlisted for regional awards at festivals such as the Golden Apricot Yerevan International Film Festival and photo contests hosted by World Press Photo and regional press federations.
Category:News agencies