Cases

Meltex Ltd & Movsesyan v Armenia

Facts

The complainants, an independent broadcasting company (B) and its chairman, had initially acquired a state television licence, which was allegedly suspended on B’s refusal to broadcast only pro-government material. B was later granted a five-year broadcasting licence. After a further licence held by B had expired, the Armenian broadcasting authority (NTRC) opened calls for tenders regarding various broadcasting frequencies. NRTC appointed another company as winner after a points-based vote. B ceased to broadcast and later unsuccessfully participated in bids for several other bands. B sought to have the NTRC’s decisions annulled, complaining that NTRC failed to give written reasons for the licence refusals. The domestic courts dismissed the claim, finding that the calls for tenders concerning those seven bands had been carried out lawfully. B complained that the refusals of a broadcasting licence amounted to a violation of freedom of expression under Article 10 ECHR.

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