Anti-media rhetoric creates climate of intolerance that hinders reporters’ work – RSF

Reporters Without Borders (RSF) has released its 2026 World Press Freedom Index. According to the organization, Armenia has experienced a decline, dropping from 34th place to 50th. It is now classified as a “problematic” country. The RSF report is provided below.

Despite Armenia’s varied media landscape, its media remains polarised. The country is facing an unprecedented level of disinformation and hate speech fed by internal political tension, security problems at the country’s borders and the country’s complicated position between Russia and the European Union.

Media landscape

Social media, used daily by two-thirds of the population, is the main source of information. Many new media outlets have sprung up since the 2018 “Velvet Revolution” and independent news sites such as Civilnet.am, hetq.am, Factor.am and Azatutyun.am are thriving and fulfilling an independent watchdog role that is essential in a democracy. Nevertheless, most broadcast and print media, affiliated with major political and commercial interests, continue to face pressure concerning their editorial policy.

Political context

The polarisation of the media mirrors that of the political scene: many media outlets are close to political leaders who emerged after 2018, while others remain loyal to former oligarchs. Only a handful of media outlets demonstrate independence. Two political topics are especially sensitive: the ongoing negotiations with Azerbaijan and the increasingly strained relations between Armenia and Russia. Due to these tensions, journalists are increasingly confronted with coordinated disinformation campaigns and hybrid influence operations linked to geopolitical friction, which further distort the information space. Some political groups target journalists.

Legal framework

Despite the decriminalisation of defamation and the implementation of legislation that guarantees the transparency of media ownership, the legal framework that regulates the sector does not sufficiently protect freedom of the press, nor does it follow European standards. Recent reforms have not resolved problems posed by disinformation and gag orders. Access to state-held information is limited by the government (refusal to respond, delays, etc.)

Economic context

The majority of media outlets are controlled by people close to political movements or are supported by influential public figures. Few outlets have adopted paid subscription models, and the advertising market remains under-developed, which limits the financial independence of privately-owned media outlets. Meanwhile, state-owned media outlets refrain from all criticism of the government.

Sociocultural context

As a profession, journalism is disparaged and subject to particularly troubling kinds of hate speech. Anti-media rhetoric from political elites, who accuse journalists of “corruption” and of being in the service of their adversaries, creates a climate of intolerance that hinders reporters’ work. They are constantly insulted, assaulted and subject to abusive defamation proceedings, which reinforces self-censorship.

Safety

Journalists are often subjected to pressure, insults and violence by both ruling party officials and opposition politicians, as well as their supporters – whether in Parliament, the street, or on social media. In general, violence towards journalists goes unpunished.