Lusine Tovmasyan ends collaboration with Armenian Public TV over editorial dispute

Armenian television host Lusine Tovmasyan has terminated her collaboration with the Public TV Company of Armenia, citing an unprofessional and personally motivated decision by network leadership.

In a statement released on Monday, Tovmasyan said she had decided to dissolve her contract after being instructed by the Public TV director to be replaced in a program whose first episode had already been filmed. According to Tovmasyan, the decision was linked to an interview she conducted with internationally acclaimed classical pianist Lang Lang, who was invited to Armenia with state funding, as well as conductor Sergey Smbatyan. The interview had been scheduled for release on social media platforms.

Tovmasyan emphasized that her employment contract contained no provisions prohibiting such work, arguing that the directive fell outside the scope of professional considerations and was instead rooted in personal dynamics.

“I am not going to become an instrument in anyone’s hands for the resolution of personal matters,” she said.

She further noted that during their most recent meeting, the head of the broadcaster, Hovhannes Movsisyan, personally confirmed this reasoning.

Tovmasyan also described the situation as paradoxical, pointing out that the concert in question had been produced on commission by the Public Television Company itself, using its own creative team.

Highlighting her professional principles, Tovmasyan stated that she has consistently refrained from promoting gambling, harmful habits, or engaging in collaborations with rival TV channels, as well as avoiding participation in political processes. She characterized these choices as personal standards guiding her career.

Conversely, she said she has always welcomed culturally significant and professionally engaging opportunities and considers any restriction of that right unacceptable.

Tovmasyan expressed gratitude to her colleagues at the broadcaster for a productive and meaningful collaboration, while voicing hope for a future return under fair working conditions.

She concluded by describing the Public Television Company as “home”, adding that although she is departing for now, she does not rule out returning in the future.