NOVOSTI-ARMENIA NEWS AGENCY AMONG TOP THREE MOST VISITABLE MEDIA OUTLETS
ARKA News Agency , Armenia
Dec 13 2007
Below is an exclusive interview by Director of the Novosti-Armenia
Agency of International Information Galina Davidyan to the ARKA
News Agency.
ARKA: What is your opinion of the result of the two-year activities
of the Novosti-Armenia Agency? What has been done, and what has yet
to be done?
Davidyan: The Novosti-Armenia Agency of International Information
has marked its second anniversary and it is not a long period for a
serious media outlet. However, we have recorded some achievements.
First of all, we have managed to create information resource that set
itself a clear task – meeting the country’s demand for information on
the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) and for world news. At the
same time, we would like to provide the countries with full information
on Armenia, prompt and impartial coverage of the country’s political,
social and cultural life. I think we have succeeded, the visits to
our web site being the evidence. According to the Circle. am rating,
Novosti-Armenia is among the top three most visitable local network
media outlets.
We are referred to by the leading local and Russia mass media,
periodicals, portals of foreign media outlets. We had only some dozen
visitors when the agency was founded, whereas the number of visitors
is tens of thousands now.
Of course, our partnership with the leading Russian agency RIA
Novosti played a great role in our establishing a foothold and
gaining reputation. A cooperation agreement signed with RIA Novosti in
December 2005 first of all envisages intensification of exchange of
information in the post-Soviet area, which will allow CIS residents,
first of all residents of Russia, be informed of the processes going
on in Armenia, while Armenian citizens will be fully informed of the
developments in Russia and in the other CIS member-states.
At present, the information and technical support by RIA Novosti allows
our readers to receive on-line trustworthy and impartial information
on the most important events in and outside Armenia, read exclusive
materials, interviews and experts’ comments on various issues.
Moreover, the Novosti-Armenia recently started providing information in
the Armenian language. Thus we are now closer to our readers in Armenia
and in the Armenian Diaspora, that is, all the Armenian-speaking
readers in and outside Armenia, can read on-line news in Armenian.
ARKA: What are the agency’s new plans?
Davidyan: The most important issue of our cooperation with RIA Novosti
is now the creation and operation of a multimedia without counterparts
in Armenia. The platform provided with modern equipment will serve for
press conferences, space bridges, roundtables, presentation with the
participation of the country’s leading newsmakers, representatives of
government structures, renowned scientists, political scientists,
economists, workers of culture, businessmen, in short, all the
decision-makers shaping the public opinion.
More attention will also be paid to the promotion of the web sites
and , and to their multimedia
potential due to the creation of photo and video materials. The next
year in Armenia promises to be eventful in all respects. First of
all, this is a year of presidential election, the 90th anniversary
of proclamation of the First Republic or the Day of regaining of
sovereignty (another name for the holiday) – on May 28, 1918, when
Armenia regained its independence.
Under UNESCO’s auspices, official celebrations of the 100th birthday
anniversary of the world-famous astrophysicist Victor Hambartsumyan
and the renowned American writer of Armenian descent William Saroyan
will be held in 2008. These, as well as many other events, will
serve as a basis for the photo and video materials, press conferences
and roundtables.
ARKA: What are the tasks of Novoti-Armenia in the Armenia-language
information field.
Davidyan: First of all, consolidating its positions, enlarging audience
and increasing the volume of regional information. The coverage of
the situation in the regions is not so active now, through regional
programs are being implemented there, investments are being made and
the infrastructure is developing. The public must be informed of this
all. We see the potential of our further activities in this.