"Business Is Safer Than Politics"

“BUSINESS IS SAFER THAN POLITICS”

Vestnik Kavkaza, Russia
July 17 2013

17 July 2013 – 6:51am
By Vestnik Kavkaza

Last week a group of journalists from the South Caucasus republics
visited Moscow. They met their colleagues from Vestnik Kavkaza, and
its editor-in-chief spoke to each of the guests. Today we present an
interview with journalist Ashot Safaryan from Armenia.

– Is it easy to be a journalist in Armenia?

– I wouldn’t say so. A lot depends on the personal skills of a
potential journalist. I believe that, to be a journalist, one should
have wide views, a certain intellectual level and health conditions
to cover developments quickly, so, you need to move a lot.

– This is about those who cover political issues. Is there business
journalism in Armenia?

– Working in business media is connected with walking as well –
presentations, meeting people and experts from the sphere. However,
in general business is safer than politics. I cover political events.

– Have you ever got some interesting and bright material that couldn’t
be published for some reason? Did you suppress your ambitions then?

– I don’t want to be arriviste, but the media where I am working,
ArmInfo, tries to be balanced and cover events, facts, and realities
as independently as possible. So I can honestly say that have had no
such situations. If I have material, if it is interesting, if it is
full of facts, I can and should publish it.

– Do politicians take offence at journalists in Armenia?

– They do. Recently there was an incident in the parliament – an MP
from the ruling party met an opposition journalist in a hall.

And both of them acted unprofessionally and unethically…

– I believe MPs should restrain their tempers and understand that
there is no politics without journalists. Information is the basis
of politics. Do you agree?

– Of course I do!

– Do you think the Armenian political culture has any specific
characteristics?

– It is the desire of our officials to deal with journalists so they
don’t publish information they provide, because sad consequences can
follow this. At the same time, many of them avoid acute topics and
meetings, and don’t encourage our activity.

– There is an idea of an Internet portal, like a social network,
where young professionals, journalists from Russia, the South Caucasus
states, and probably Kazakhstan could exchange experience. Do you
think the idea is appealing to Armenian journalists? Will it be
interesting for you?

– For sure, because the current level of Armenian journalism should
be improved, notwithstanding its advantages. I think it is appealing.

From: Emil Lazarian | Ararat NewsPress