Renegotiating media in the post-Soviet era: western journalistic practices in the Armenian radio programme Aniv

Abstract

This study explored the interplay of Soviet-style and western journalistic conventions by examining an Armenian commercial radio news programme, Aniv, which is broadcast nationally and produced through an American-funded non-governmental organization, Internews. Six issues guided the inquiry: (1) objectivity, (2) newsworthiness, (3) social role of journalism, (4) competition, (5) professional values, (6) education and employment. Results of personal interviews and observations indicated that success in promoting societal discourse is dependent on adapting imported practices to local circumstances.