LOS ANGELES, California — On Friday, July 25, the American University of Armenia (AUA) hosted “Amplifying Armenian Storytelling Across Media Platforms” in Los Angeles, a special panel event that brought together over 80 guests for a critical discussion in support of AUA’s new Master of Arts in Multiplatform Journalism program and marked a key moment in the University’s Voice of a New Generation campaign.
Following a warm welcome from AUA Vice President of Development Gaiane Khachatrian, the panel discussion was moderated by Sareen Habeshian, an Armenian-American journalist currently reporting for Axios. Habeshian opened by emphasizing the urgency of investing in ethical and innovative journalism and introduced a powerhouse panel of speakers whose careers span digital newsrooms, documentary production, advocacy, and media entrepreneurship.
The conversation began with Sofi Abrahamyan (MAIRD ’25), who spoke movingly about her experience as a displaced student from Artsakh. She shared how working with young people to preserve Armenia’s digital history during the blockade shaped her drive to ensure that vulnerable communities are not forgotten. ”Being forced to leave behind your home, your roots, your dreams brought a deep sense of loss and demotivation. What hurt even more was how our stories were often ignored by the international community, especially after the 2020 war,” she said.
A graduate of AUA’s M.A. in International Relations and Diplomacy program, Abrahamyan has just completed a program at the Hansen Leadership Institute at the University of San Diego and will soon be heading back to Armenia. “When I return home, I want to use everything I’ve learned to amplify the stories of displaced and vulnerable communities and to work toward ensuring that human rights are not only talked about, but also protected and upheld,” said Abrahamyan.
The discussion then turned to storytelling on screen. Michael Agbabian, Emmy-winning television producer and son of AUA co-founder Dr. Mihran Agbabian, reflected on what it takes for stories to break through and reach broad audiences, and why now is the time to empower Armenian voices globally. “I think the nice thing about AUA is that it’s at the crossroads of Western culture and Armenian culture, and that’s unique. I think that combination of backgrounds can really help cut through the clutter,” he shared.
Armen Karaoghlanian, founder of the Armenian Film Society, spoke about the creative opportunities emerging in Armenia’s film industry and how homegrown cinema can contribute to global storytelling. He also offered his advice to young Armenian storytellers: “I think it’s just telling stories that are very unique to your experience. If you do that, then inherently, they will become universal stories that will resonate with other parts of the world. Be true to yourselves, and if you do that, then you are probably off to a good start.”
Zaven Keuroghlian, CEO of Zartonk Media, addressed the urgent need for well-trained, English-speaking journalists to bridge the gap between Armenia and the diaspora. “I wish something like this existed when we started Zartonk,” said Keuroghlian. “The need for this program is not only urgent, but it is extremely existential to Armenians. And what we have learned is that when we don’t tell our stories, others tell them for us, and often they are not accurate, and more often than not, there is a bias.”
As the head of a growing media platform, Keuroghlian also emphasized the need for well-trained, English-speaking journalists. He reflected on AUA’s role in preparing this talent pipeline and expressed interest in engaging with the MAMJ program: “Whether it’s internships or mentorships, we are here to elevate the next generation of Armenian storytellers. I think AUA is uniquely positioned to become a launchpad for world class journalists coming out of Armenia.”
The panel also explored the responsibilities of journalists today. Liana Aghajanian discussed fact-checking and the ethical challenges of reporting on perspectives with which one may disagree, especially in a time of declining trust in media. “I have met a lot of people in my reporting career whose perspectives I did not agree with, but at the end of the day, the accuracy and the facts don’t lie,” she shared. “So if you focus on that and change your perspective to try to understand why they’re coming from the place they’re coming from, and if you go with that and examine it, you will eventually get to the truth. And that is what we are all after. We are all after the truth. The truth is very elusive, and we don’t always get there. And finding the truth does not mean being neutral, it just means being accurate.”
Aghajanian also shared her experience breaking through to major media outlets and reaching wider audiences: “Being heard is a very difficult process. I spent a very long time researching magazines and newspapers, understanding their editorial standards, understanding the people who were in charge and would greenlight stories. I will say that I had many stories that didn’t make it, that editors told me weren’t good enough, or ignored my pitches. But you remain persistent, and eventually you break through with something, and then you become someone they come to again and again, because they know you have the knowledge and experience to bring to their editorial team.”
The conversation closed with insights from AUA alumna Sona Gevorgyan (BAEC ’23), a Fulbright Scholar at Arizona State University completing a graduate program in investigative journalism. Gevorgyan spoke about her commitment to returning to Armenia to strengthen ethical journalism. “Oftentimes in the media, you will see many stories that are just for clicks and headlines,” she said. “I’ve learned here in the newsroom how important it is to do ethical reporting, to work with your sources gently and build trust. That is something we also lack back in Armenia. After all, they are the people about whom we are telling the stories in order to serve the public interest. This, along with accuracy and fact checking, are our duty as journalists.”
The evening concluded with a Q&A session, followed by closing remarks from AUA co-founder and President Emeritus Dr. Armen Der Kiureghian, who reinforced the power of storytelling to build a more informed and just Armenia.
Founded in 1991, the American University of Armenia (AUA) is a private, independent university located in Yerevan, Armenia, affiliated with the University of California, and accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission in the United States. AUA provides local and international students with Western-style education through top-quality undergraduate and graduate degree and certificate programs, promotes research and innovation, encourages civic engagement and community service, and fosters democratic values. AUA’s Office of Development stewards the University’s philanthropic efforts exclusively for educational purposes.
