By Davit Beglaryan, 301 Editor
Azatutyun, also known as Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (RFE/RL) in Armenia, is one of the the most popular news channels in the country, particularly on YouTube. It is part of a broader network that is fully funded by the U.S. Congress, with a clear agenda and resources that allow it to dominate the media landscape. While its extensive coverage is undeniable, so too is its bias—especially when it comes to supporting the current Armenian leadership under Nikol Pashinyan and the ruling party.
Azatutyun has become a go-to news source in Armenia, with its reach and influence far surpassing that of most local outlets. The channel’s ability to provide comprehensive coverage—both in print and video—is aided by the vast resources at its disposal, which most Armenian media outlets cannot match. These resources are a direct result of its U.S. funding, as it operates as a major arm of RFE/RL, an entity that has long been a tool of American foreign policy, particularly during the Cold War and into the present day.
While Azatutyun excels in coverage, it often chooses what to cover and, just as importantly, what to ignore. Its selective reporting often highlights specific political movements, framing events in ways that align with its broader ideological stance. One example of this selective focus is how Azatutyun covered the 2018 protests in Armenia, which led to the resignation of former President Serzh Sargsyan and the rise to power of Nikol Pashinyan. Throughout the protests, Azatutyun was omnipresent, providing round-the-clock coverage from nearly every vantage point. The sheer volume of coverage was in stark contrast to how other media outlets, particularly those with limited resources, could afford to report.
However, this level of coverage wasn’t just a neutral attempt to inform. It was part of a broader narrative, one that was consistently in line with the goals of Azatutyun and other foreign-funded media outlets in Armenia. The media push leading up to 2018 not only supported the narrative of change but also aligned closely with the interests of foreign actors, particularly the U.S., which has long had a vested interest in the political outcome of Armenia.
Despite the successes of the 2018 revolution, there is a darker side to Azatutyun’s influence. The outlet has frequently been criticized for its questionable stance on issues crucial to Armenia’s national identity and sovereignty. For example, Azatutyun has referred to Armenians in Artsakh as “occupiers,” a term that directly undermines the region’s historical and cultural significance to the Armenian people. Moreover, the outlet has repeatedly put the term “Armenian Genocide” in quotes, which casts doubt on the established historical truth of the atrocities committed by the Ottoman Empire against Armenians in 1915. This undermines the very foundation of Armenian historical memory and leaves room for manipulation and distortion.
As Armenia grapples with an existential threat following the loss of Artsakh, Azatutyun’s coverage of the region continues to raise concerns. Instead of focusing on the immediate threats facing the country, the media outlet seems more preoccupied with revisiting long-past discussions, such as those between Presidents Robert Kocharyan and Heydar Aliyev in 1999. This retrospective fixation highlights a disturbing trend in Azatutyun’s reporting—one that looks backward rather than addressing the urgent challenges Armenia faces today.
Azatutyun’s role in Armenia’s media landscape is more than just a reflection of journalistic practices; it is a clear example of how foreign-funded outlets shape national discourse in ways that serve external interests. The outlet’s consistent support for the current regime, its selective reporting, and its willingness to undermine Armenia’s historical narrative all point to a broader, more insidious agenda—one that is set on continuing to erode the foundations of an independent and sovereign Armenia.
As Armenia stands at a critical crossroads, facing unprecedented challenges, the role of Azatutyun and similar media outlets must be carefully examined. Their influence, shaped by foreign funding and agendas, continues to shape public opinion and political outcomes. With the country under existential threat and the loss of Artsakh now a grim reality, it is clear that Azatutyun is not finished with the damage it has caused. Rather, it is poised to continue fueling the demise of independent Armenia, all while claiming to be the voice of truth and progress.
