Amid concerns from outside and internal observers about a growing government grip on local media, the National Television and Radio Commission (NTRC) has opened licensing contests for local TV companies seeking to broadcast through a digital network in the territory of Armenia. The tender that formally kicked off on July 20 consists of 18 contests.

NTRC Chairman Grigor Amalyan said the contests would ensure countrywide broadcasts. Both companies currently broadcasting for capital Yerevan only, or for separate provinces, are among participants in the tender.