Government allocates AMD 22 mln to finalize Shoghakat TV closure

PanARMENIAN.Net - A total of 22 million drams will be allocated to finalize the liquidation of Shoghakat TV, according to a decision adopted at a government meeting.

The funds will be provided based on calculations by Spiritual and Cultural Public Television CJSC to cover costs related to the dismissal of employees, including salaries, final settlements, severance payments and other liabilities. These expenses are estimated at about 20.899 million drams, and taking into account possible unforeseen costs, the total funding amount has been set at 22 million drams.

Under the 2026 state budget, the Council of Public Broadcaster is expected to receive 221.1055 million drams for spiritual and cultural programming. Since January 1, Shoghakat has no longer been broadcasting.

Shoghakat was closed amid strained relations between Armenia’s authorities and the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin. Representatives of the ruling Civil Contract faction justified the shutdown of the public channel by citing inefficient use of state funds.