"I
simply grudge my time wasting it on these small people and small problems,"-the
head of "Grand holding", the owner of "Hairenik" TV company
Hrant Vardanian said on NCTR problem.We began our interview with Hrant
Vardanian mentioning: "According to the 10 article of the law "About
Television and Radio" the licensed TV company in Armenia can rebroadcast
the programs of foreign TV companies by contractual principle after informing
in written form to the National Commission of Television and Radio. But "Hairenik"
didn’t fulfil the requirements. "The NCTR president Grigor Amalian equalized
the humanitarian channel with the trade ones, – Hrant Vardanian answered. – The
authorities has imperfect laws which serve not to our people and not for developing
and spreading national values but serve for two-three clans which really get enormous
sums. Though "Hairenik" TV Company was formed for kids but it also broadcasts
"Mezzo" channel for about 4 years, as our TV companies are so spoilt
by vulgar programs that our people need in some "consolation". Mustn’t
we listen to the classic music? I’m ready to finance those TV companies which
have right to broadcast "Mezzo", I’ll spend all technical expenses if
only our TV viewer don’t loose the opportunity of watching those programs. I’ll
fight to the end."But why doesn’t he want to legalize the broadcasting
of "Mezzo". The legal broadcasting of "Mezzo" will cost 1000-1500$.
Hrant Vardanian answered that "Hairenik" turned to "Mezzo"
for several times asking for broadcasting licence but got the answer that Armenia
is a small country and they don’t need in giving broadcasting licence here. Three
TV channels have the licence of it, let them broadcast. We can broadcast operas,
other musical programs but this is the matter of principle as it is a humanitarian
channel for intellectuals."The NCTR president denied those affirmations
that "Hairenik" was merely humanitarian. "The same media advertise
commercials of goods for kids." The head of "Grand Holding" said:
"He lied as usual. All sponsored expenses pay "Grand Candy" about
20 thousand dollars in a month."What about equal attitude towards TV
channels Hrant Vardanian reminded that the commercial of cigarettes and alcohol
is also forbidden. He also added: "The NCTR press secretary said that I have
a wide experience of selling cigarettes without excise which I wanted to realize
in the Television sphere. If Mr. Amalian wants he can be introduced to all documents
refers to it and find out the real organizers. Then we can compare who has that
experience and how much." The head of " Grand holding" reminded
that he was number one taxpayer in Armenia: "The 10% of budget is made by
our collective work." In the interview given to "Arminfo" agency
Hrant Vardanian declared that "selling of licensed films are under NCTR president’s
control and for his own economical interest G. Amalian makes TV companies to renounce
from broadcasting foreign programs." To our question if he will be able to
prove his affirmations H. Vardanian answered: "If I go into details I’ll
manage. But will I permit myself to go into details?"Hrant Vardanian
elucidated the information that "Hairenik" showed without a licence
the film "The bride from the North" which belongs to the Council of
National TV and Radio company shoot by "Yerevan" studio: "First
of all other TV companies also showed this film for many times. We tried to contact
with "Yerevan" studio for further information about getting licence.
We didn’t succeed in finding out the real status of that studio and speak to its
leadership. We only heard the reply: "Ask Alik Haroutiunian". That means
the cultural heritage of films formed for decades became the ownership of some
people who must sell it without having their contribution. Where is the state
way of thinking: it is de facto robbery in the sphere of culture."Hrant
Vardanian also stressed that he had the impression that Alik Haroutiunian is the
NCTR de facto president as every decision is agreed with him.Anna Israelian