The EBU has sent congratulations to its Member Public Television of Armenia on the occasion of its 60^th Anniversary.

Armenian Public Television was launched on September 29^th 1956, following a decision of the USSR Council of Ministers. In the early days, broadcasts aired four times a week and lasted for just two hours.

As political powers shifted in the region and the Soviet era came to an end, Armenian Public Television became the first television channel to broadcast programmes free from government constraints and censorship. A law ‘on mass media’,  passed only a month after Armenia declared its independence in September 1991, gave the country the opportunity to develop its media without restrictions.

The channel has evolved over time and now offers a mix of original local content alongside international formats, events and sport. It has introduced cultural, children’s, educational, entertainment, analysis and political programming to its schedule. And it remains the leading news service in Armenia.

Public Television of Armenia joined the EBU in 2005 and has been a dynamic participant in its activities ever since. In 2011 it hosted the Junior Eurovision Song Contest and it has been part of the Eurovision Song Contest since 2006.

EBU Director General Ingrid Deltenre said: “Public Television of Armenia is continuing the best traditions of public service broadcasting to inform, educate and entertain society.

“We are delighted it has been part of the EBU family for so many years and wish it every success as it continues to grow and innovate to reach new audiences.”