The Armenian Commission on Television and Radio has approved the rates for one minute of paid airtime during the pre-election campaign for the June 7 parliamentary elections.
The pre-election campaign in Armenia will begin on May 8. Political parties will present their programs to voters until June 5.
This year, the prices for political advertising are nearly the same as during the 2021 snap parliamentary elections.
As in 2021, Armenia TV set the highest price this year at 100,000 drams per minute. Compared to previous elections, the cost of paid airtime on Shant TV has decreased. In 2021, one minute of political advertising on the channel cost 100,000 drams. This year, however, the price will be 90,000 drams between 18:00 and 23:59, and 45,000 drams between 06:00 and 17:59.
The third-highest rate for one minute of airtime is set by Public Television, at 45,000 drams.
Among nationwide broadcasters, the most significant price drop is seen at Kentron TV: in 2021, one minute of airtime cost 40,000 drams, while it now stands at 23,000 drams.
Among television companies broadcasting exclusively in Yerevan, Channel 5 set the highest rate at 30,000 drams per minute. Compared to the previous parliamentary elections, the cost of one minute of political advertising on the channel has increased 2.5 times, rising from 12,000 to 30,000 drams.
The cost of paid airtime allocated to political parties on regional TV channels has remained largely the same or increased. However, at Fortuna TV, which broadcasts in the Lori region, the cost per minute has dropped from 25,200 drams to 18,150 drams.
During the election campaign, prices for political radio advertising are significantly lower. The highest rate for one minute of airtime is set on Radio Van and Russkoye Radio, which broadcast in the capital, is 6,200 and 5,200 drams, respectively.
The cost of paid airtime on public radio has remained the same as in 2021, currently set at 1,800 drams.
The price for political advertising on television and radio during the election campaign is determined by the Electoral Code, employing the following mechanism:
- For public broadcasters, the cost of one minute of paid airtime cannot exceed 50% of the average price of commercial advertising for the six months leading up to the election.
- For private broadcasters, the cost of one minute of paid airtime cannot exceed the average commercial advertising cost for the six months preceding the election.
