ANC-NY Welcomed WNET Decision Not to Broadcast Panel Discussion Featuring Armenian Genocide Deniers

PanARMENIAN.Net - The Armenian National Committee of New York (ANC-NY) on March 1 welcomed WNET's decision not to broadcast a panel discussion featuring two known deniers of the Armenian Genocide. WNET's decision, widely reported by the Associated Press and local media outlets, followed a February 25th press conference in front of WNET's offices by Congressman Anthony Weiner (D-NY) calling attention to the profound moral issues involved in providing genocide deniers with a national television audience. The ANC-NY took part in the press conference along with Armenian American leaders from throughout the New York metropolitan area. "First and foremost, we want to thank Congressman Anthony Weiner for demonstrating such pro-active leadership in joining with Armenian Americans in front of WNET this past Saturday to call attention to this important issue," said Tony Vartanian, Chairman of ANC-NY. "We also applaud WNET's decision to uphold their excellent editorial standards by not airing a panel discussion that would have delivered a major television audience for the patently false and hateful version of history being peddled by deniers of the Armenian Genocide," said Vartanian.



"Andrew Goldberg's documentary on the Armenian Genocide is an historically sound work that can clearly stand on its own. WNET was correct not to tarnish either this piece or its own reputation broadcasting this ill-advised and deeply flawed panel discussion. "In a statement issued immediately after the WNET decision, Rep. Weiner noted, "I am pleased that WNET has now cancelled plans to follow their historically accurate program with a panel discussion including some who deny that the genocide took place. They clearly understand that featuring these voices would have been like following a program about geography with a panel including an 'expert' who argued the earth was flat."