Background of the Issue: On June 8, 2010 the “Ecological Security and Democracy Development” NGO of Kapan, Syuniq region, addressed Media Ethics Observatory requesting to render an expert judgment on the conformity of the conduct of the local “Khustup TV” company to the professional ethics. In his letter Rafael Asrian, the Head of the NGO, noted that in 2005 “Khustup TV” and “Dino Gold Mining” CJSC concluded a memorandum on cooperation, according to which the TV channel was to cover the activities of the gold mining company. The dissatisfaction of Rafael Asrian was stipulated by the nature of this coverage – one-sided and purely positive.
MEO addressed a letter to the TV company, offering its mediation in the conflict (“Khustup TV” is not a member of the media self-regulation initiative).
In its response of September 11, 2010 the TV company accepted the offer and invited the MEO members to Kapan to meet all the conflict parties for a more thorough examination.
MEO informed the “Ecological Security and Democracy Development” NGO about its intention to visit Kapan. Nevertheless, in the letter of September 28, 2010 the NGO notified that refuses the mediation of MEO and is going to take judicial measures versus “Khustup TV”.