YEREVAN, Armenia — On December 11, within the framework of the U.S. Embassy Yerevan-supported joint program with the American University of Armenia (AUA), AUA’s Center for Research in Applied Linguistics (CRAL) and Center for Excellence in Journalism (CEJ) hosted Artur Papyan, president of the Yerevan Press Club, for an illuminating discussion of journalism ethics in Armenia.
Before an audience of more than 20 adult students in CRAL’s English for Public Relations (PR) and Media Professionals Program, Papyan discussed topics such as the Code of Ethics of Armenian Media and Journalists, Armenia’s Media Ethics Observatory, and the coverage of minority groups in Armenian news.
Papyan explained the purpose and values of the Code of Ethics — aimed at setting journalistic norms from accuracy and impartiality to integrity in covering elections — as well as efforts to make the document more widely known among both the media and the public.
He also discussed how the Media Ethics Observatory applies the Code of Ethics by handling complaints about news pieces and issuing expert opinions and judgments about them. The topic was especially timely since Armenian lawmakers are currently considering legislation to formalize media self-regulation.
Lastly, Papyan shared highlights from the Media Diversity Institute-Armenia’s recently updated Reporting Diversity Manual. A director of the Institute, he discussed cases when Armenian media outlets have used pejorative language against minority groups, and proposed ways to improve such coverage.
“We spoke about media ethics with a range of very engaged professionals. The interesting feature is that this was in English,” Papyan said after his talk. “I found it something of great value to talk about media ethics with people who actually care about this, and also to show them that they’re learning English even when they talk about things that they deal with in their daily work and lives.”
He noted the benefits of discussing ethics with both journalists and PR professionals, who often work on opposite sides of the media landscape.
“I do think this is a very good idea, to bring them together in one room,” Papyan said. “These people work with each other all the time.”
The English Program for Media and PR Professionals is designed to enhance participants’ language skills through courses tailored to their professional needs. It also provides opportunities to attend guest talks, workshops, and networking events.
“I think interactive talks like today’s provide an excellent opportunity for our program participants to apply their skills in realistic contexts,” said Irena Galikyan, AUA lecturer and research associate for CRAL.
CEJ Director Shant Shahrigian, who served as moderator during Papyan’s talk, remarked, “Artur’s insights about media ethics and challenges facing Armenian journalists were eye-opening. I hope his talk sparks further discussion about how reporters, editors, and PR people can make ethics central to their work.”
The AUA Center for Research in Applied Linguistics (CRAL) is an integral part of the M.A. in Teaching English as a Foreign language program. In 2023, CRAL received funding from the U.S. Embassy in Yerevan to implement an English language program designed specifically for media and PR professionals. Upon completion, participants will be equipped with strong English language skills and will learn to create relevant and engaging content, including interviews and presentations. Interactive workshops and networking events will boost their confidence in engaging with industry experts and deepen their knowledge of the latest trends and developments.
The American University of Armenia, in partnership with Washington State University, signed a memorandum of understanding in 2023 to establish a Center for Excellence in Journalism (CEJ) and create a new master’s program in multiplatform journalism. The $2,593,221.05, six-year university partnership program is funded by the U.S. Embassy in Yerevan (the Embassy’s contribution is $2,171,462.49) to support Armenia’s media sector. CEJ will serve as a hub for journalism education and leadership in research, training, best practices, and collaboration with leading experts and policy makers that advances knowledge of how quality journalism can serve as a bulwark against misinformation and improve networking within Armenia’s journalism ecosystem. The Center will also offer professional development programs serving the wider media community.
