Journalism is a cornerstone of democracy, upholding the principles of truth, accountability, inclusivity, and civic engagement—values essential to a free and functioning society. As the next generation of Armenian journalists, media professionals and experts, we reaffirm our commitment to these ideals while calling urgent attention to the immense challenges that journalism in Armenia, particularly local journalism outside Yerevan, faces. To serve democracy and connect with audiences both today and in the future, transformative changes are necessary.

I Journalism: An Essential, Yet Endangered Pillar of our Democracy

1. Without independent media, there can be no true democracy
It empowers citizens by providing reliable information, facilitating free expression, and holding the powerful accountable. While social media plays a role in modern communication, society cannot rely on it alone. Journalism creates a platform for inclusive public discourse, fostering understanding among different parts of society. By providing the foundation for informed civic participation, it brings people together and enables us to make better decisions as a democratic society.

2. Journalism in Peril: A Global Crisis Threatening Democracy
Journalism worldwide faces unprecedented challenges, from financial instability to threats against press freedom. The growing dominance of big tech platforms disrupts traditional media revenue models, while political and economic pressures jeopardize independent reporting. The digital media environment presents both significant opportunities and challenges for journalists. While digital platforms enable broader access to information and a more diverse range of voices, they also amplify the responsibilities of media professionals. Journalists are tasked with navigating an increasingly rapid news cycle while maintaining high standards of accuracy and credibility, amidst a growing tide of misinformation. These pressures are compounded by precarious working conditions—low wages, job insecurity, and limited resources—that characterize the industry. This global trend is particularly pronounced in Armenia, where financial instability and under-resourced newsrooms hinder the capacity of journalists to meet the demands of the digital media landscape. Addressing these structural issues is essential to ensuring the development of a resilient and independent media sector capable of addressing both local and global challenges

3. Local Media Matters!
Local journalism in particular is crucial for democracy but is often under-developed and under-resourced in Armenia’s regions. However, in communities without robust local reporting, democracy cannot flourish. We know from research, that where the is no local journalism, there is no transparency, corruption thrives, mistrust grows and civic engagement declines. We need to strengthen and invest in local media to ensure that no region is left without a voice.

4. Journalism at a Crossroads: Armenia Faces Unique Challenges
At the same time there are specific challenges to Armenia, such as the fact that it is a young, evolving democracy. Independent journalism is still young, underfunded, and vulnerable to external pressures. Moreover, Armenia’s position at the crossroads of regional and geopolitical tensions subjects its media to significant political and external influences. Journalistic organizations are often polarized, aligned with either government or opposition forces.
The next generation of journalists calls for the development of neutral, independent journalism that prioritizes the truth and serves the public good.To achieve this, we need to put conditions in place to protect and promote a pluralistic and vibrant media environment that transcends partisanship.

II The way forward

5. Democratic values need to be uphold
Against this backdrop of disinformation and polarized media, fundamental journalistic values such as transparency, freedom of expression, and inclusion, which are also essential to democracy, —are under threat and need to be defended. They must not only be upheld but also redefined to meet the challenges of our time. Freedom of expression must be balanced against harmful falsehoods However, while censorship may seem tempting to fight disinformation, it is rarely the right solution, as it risks undermining the very freedoms we seek to protect. Together, we must reinforce journalism’s role as a democratic watchdog and adapt it to defend these principles without sacrificing the freedom that sustains them. To achieve this, safeguard press freedom through stronger legal protections, and support sustainable journalism against influence. Moreover, transparency and inclusion are key to combat manipulation and ensure diverse voices are heard.

6. Media Organizations Need to Embrace Innovation
As societies and technologies evolve, journalism must adapt to remain relevant. To stay relevant journalistic media need to meet people where they are and engage their audiences through digital platforms and interactive formats. By prioritizing incorporating multimedia content, data journalism and encouraging user-generated contributions, local media can foster a deeper connection with their audiences. Transparency, providing context and connecting local issues to broader narratives can enhance understanding. To stay impactful, media outlets must also become better when it comes to storytelling—using more modern visuals, creative layouts, and youthful text approaches. Harnessing the opportunities available by adopting a sharper visual style and offering multimedia options such as audio will make journalism both more accessible and appealing for young people. Through these innovations, journalism can continue to empower communities in today’s fast-changing media landscape.

7. Government Needs to Strengthening Journalism Education and Media Literacy
Supporting journalism education is vital for the future of Armenia’s media. Institutions like Yerevan State University and the American University of Armenia have made great progress, but a broader international perspective is still needed. Strengthening partnerships, raising global standards, and securing funding for initiatives like the Pan-Armenian Media School and the Media Academy of Public TV will better equip the media to address both local and global challenges, helping build a robust, independent media landscape. Moreover, investment must go beyond just training journalists. Promoting media literacy across all age groups is essential, empowering citizens to navigate the complex media landscape, evaluate information critically, and identify credible sources. This is crucial for maintaining a strong democracy and requires increased, long-term resources..

8. Challenging Times Bring New Opportunities for New Journalistic Projects
Challenging times bring significant opportunities for new journalistic initiatives. While there are massive problems, the current media landscape presents the chance to develop innovative, community-driven projects and explore alternative funding models. Platforms such as newsletters, podcasts, and social media enable journalists to engage directly with audiences and build lasting connections. Crowdfunding and membership models offer new paths for revenue generation, while grants, philanthropic contributions, and partnerships with local organizations support nonprofit journalism. Additionally, cooperative models, where citizens actively contribute and support journalism, empower local communities while making it possible to operate independently from market forces. By embracing these strategies, we can create a more sustainable and adaptable media ecosystem that meets the needs of our communities and ensures that local stories are heard and supported in today’s rapidly evolving media landscape.

III Let’s Join Forces to Build a Strong and Sustainable Future for Journalism in Armenia

9. Collaboration is essential
Journalism is and should be diverse and competitive, but to address shared challenges and safeguard journalism in the public interest, we need more cooperation across the field. We need stronger connections among journalists of all backgrounds—experienced and emerging, established and freelance—as well as partnerships with civil society, and the public. By working together, we can amplify our impact, support one another, and ensure that journalism serves the needs of our communities and upholds democratic values

The participants of the Local Media Matters-project:
Anna Avagyan, multimedia visualization specialist, parliamentary fellow
Grisha Gasparyan, university professor
Sona Grigoryan, journalist, editor, tv interviewer
Valentina Grigoryan, journalist, editor, communication specialist
Ani Hovhannisyan, journalist
Arpine Hovhannisyan, journalist, fact checker
Gayane Hovsepyan, journalist
Tigran Karapetyan, journalist
Arevik Khachatryan, student
Ernest Khanumyan, tv host, journalist
Ani Ordyan, film producer
Davit Sargsyan, senior specialist, „Public Relations and Information Center”
Alla Titanyan, marketing specialist, content creator
Sharmagh Tonoyan, journalist and podcast host

This declaration was drafted in Jermuk, Armenia, in October 2024, during the third workshop of the Local Media Matters initiative, which brought together young journalists and media experts. The three part seminar series, which took place between June and November 2024, was organized by the Institute for Media and Communications Policy in cooperation with EduHub. Generous funding was provided by the German Federal Foreign Office through its #CivilSocietyCooperation program.

From February 3–6, 2025, EduHub representatives participated in a very significant series of events in Brussels.
First, as Erasmus+ alumni, the representatives took part in two important events— the Annual Meeting and the Capacity Building of the Erasmus Students and Alumni Alliance (ESAA). Later, EduHub’s president, Gevorg Harutyunyan, was invited to participate in the NEO-ICP-ENFP Meeting 2025.
Throughout these events, we had a great opportunity to meet and network with various key professionals, such as Erasmus+ programme decision-makers, focal points, national representatives, and individuals working at the European Commission, along with presenting our organization.

The #LocalMediaMatters educational project has now concluded after several months of study trips, interactive sessions, expert lectures, creative workshops , international networking and friendships and of course parties —a project with many meaningful parts.
We extend our sincere thanks to our main partner, the Institute for Media and Communication Policy (Germany) and specifically Dr Leonard Novy, for their fruitful cooperation, to the German Federal Foreign Office for their financial support and to all other partners, stakeholders, and volunteers who contributed to this journey. Special thanks to our smart, ambitious participants who strive to become the best versions of themselves.

The EngageCaucasus project’s central idea is to offer civil society, political, and social activists, as well as young people interested in politics and activism from Armenia and Georgia, a unique opportunity to enhance their skills in strategy, leadership, and campaigning. The second phase of the project took place in the Georgian capital, Tbilisi. We began with insightful lectures from local and international speakers on the geopolitical situation in the South Caucasus, local democracies, and strategic political communication. Afterward, trainers and participants actively and practically developed project prototypes proposed by the participants.
The final part of the project was dedicated to a trip and hike in the Kazbegi mountains.

August was filled with prominent events. Fifteen Armenian journalists and media representatives gathered in Berlin for the second workshop of the #LocalMediaMatters program. The seminar was organized by the Institute for Media (IfM) and EduHub, with support from the German Federal Foreign Office as part of the “Expanding Cooperation with Civil Society in the Eastern Partnership Countries and Russia” program (#CivilSocietyCooperation). Participants were hosted at the new Publix House of the Schöpflin Foundation.

The program consists of three modules held in different countries and cities, taking the central role of local journalism as a starting point for systematically examining its future viability, supported by both current theoretical and practical insights. The aim is to enhance journalistic skills and techniques and to foster exchange among 15 young representatives from established media, new journalism portals, solo entrepreneurs, and academics. At the same time, participants are encouraged to reflect on their own work. This initiative creates a space for reflection, peer-to-peer coaching, and concrete project work to develop strategies for leveraging the fundamental changes brought about by digitalization in the areas of financing, production, and marketing of journalism to support regional quality journalism.

Highlights of the program included discussions with Matthias Bannert (Medieninsider), a visit to the German Bundestag, and a tour of the editorial office of Axel Springel, WELT/WamS. In addition, media and innovation expert Edith Michaeler delivered a presentation on positioning media products in a dynamic environment, helping participants begin to develop their ideas into concrete projects.

EngageCaucasus project offers civil society, political, and social activists, as well as young people interested in politics from Armenia and Georgia, a unique opportunity to enhance their skills in strategy, leadership, and campaigning. Through three dynamic workshops in Armenian and Georgian cities, participants explore and apply innovative concepts and techniques to communicate political and social issues more effectively, engage others, and create meaningful impact. These concepts will be put into practice through hands-on projects, with a focus on promoting active civic participation and creating tangible impacts in our communities. The project is co-organized and co-authored by EduHub Youth Organization and the Institute for Media and Communication Policy (IfM), and sponsored by the German Federal Foreign Office.

LocalMediaMatters project involves interactive seminars, study trips, and networking opportunities across three cities and two countries։ Germany and Armenia. It delves into essential tools, strategies, and best practices for the future of local journalism and media in Armenia. In this highly interactive experience, media scholars and journalistic practitioners gain fresh insights from international debates,discussions and develop concrete strategies to strengthen local and regional journalism. Additionally, the program features a trip to Berlin, where participants will visit famous media outlets and institutions, focusing on applying the acquired knowledge to the Armenian context. The project is organized and co-authored by EduHub Youth Organization and the Institute for Media and Communication Policy (IfM), and sponsored by the German Federal Foreign Office.

The project titled “Erasmus Alumni Leading the Future of Change” took place in Yerevan, Armenia from October 15th to 18th, 2023. The targeted university was Yerevan Brusov State University, and there were over 100 participants. The main goals of the project were to introduce the beneficiaries to ESAA and its mission and opportunities within it. Another goal was to familiarize local young people and students with the Erasmus+ program, which offers a wide range of educational opportunities. Lastly, it served as a networking event where local youth could meet representatives from different international organizations ( garagErasmus, Erasmus Mundus Association (EMA), OCEANS, and Erasmus Student Network (ESN) ) .

CLMV-digital-connectivity is a project consisting of intensive training series about Digital Transformation, Media Literacy and Erasmus+ programme. The training program is specially designed for young people in the CLMV countries (Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, and Vietnam) and also for other countries in the ASEAN region, who face challenges of the Digital Transformation and New Media in their education and job.

The second central problem that we want to address is the lack of networking and connectivity between the CLMV countries’ youth and the Western (including EU) social-educational networks. In fact, we strive to create educational and cultural opportunities for young people living in the CLMV countries.

This project was consisted of series of webinars about the effective usage of certain digital tools during various crises (Pandemic, military conflicts, natural disasters).
This project was implemented with the active involvement of the student-leaders from another educational project of the garagErasmus4Yerevan organization. The aim of this project was to transfer some specific knowledge and skills to people who have lack of those types of skills or just eager to know more about the topic. The project has no age, gender limitation and was free of charge.