Perceived level of freedom of expression in Armenia remains high – finds USAID-funded research
2 minute read
YEREVAN, OCTOBER 2, ARMENPRESS. The 2024 findings of the USAID-funded Media Consumption and Freedom of Expression Annual Research in Armenia have been released.
The 2024 report shows that most of the respondents believe that there is high level of freedom of expression in Armenia, just like in 2023, for both the society and the media.
Percentage of respondents who view freedom of expression for people in Armenia as free is 75%, and for the media 72%.
The research reveals that traditional television channels and online news websites continue to be the most popular sources of general media consumption, with 80 percent and 73 percent of respondents using them, respectively. Despite minor variations, media consumption habits have remained stable between 2023 and 2024, indicating no significant changes in preferences. Social networks and television continue to be the primary sources for social and political news, with 62 percent of respondents relying on social networks and 45 percent on television.
The Media Consumption and Freedom of Expression Annual Research in Armenia is carried out within the USAID-funded Media Program in Armenia Activity implemented by Internews. The purpose of this study is to produce evidence on how information consumers in Armenia find, share, value, and trust information; to analyze the supply and demand of information; as well as to identify threats to and constraints on freedom of expression from the vantage point of citizens and media practitioners. Research Methodology: The research employed a mixed-method approach, including a) a nationally representative survey through household visits to 1,106 respondents aged 18 years old and older, and b) 8 focus group discussions (FGDs) with men, women, youth as well as urban and rural population.