France recently attempted to secure spots for two of its television channels in Armenia’s public multiplex but was denied. The statement was made by Tigran Hakobyan, Chairman of the Television and Radio Commission, during a session in the National Assembly.

According to Hakobyan, during several meetings with the channels’ representatives, Armenian authorities made it clear that current legislation prohibits foreign media from broadcasting in the public multiplex, Sputnik Armenia reports.

He also recalled that one of the applicants, Arte France, was recently involved in a scandal after airing a report showing a South Caucasus map that omitted Armenia.

While the channel later issued a public apology, Hakobyan emphasized the potential consequences had such content aired on public Armenian television. “It would appear as if Armenia is spreading misinformation about itself,” he said.

During an episode of Arte’s “28 Minutes,” a map of the South Caucasus was displayed without Armenia. The incident sparked significant backlash. Later, host Élisabeth Quin apologized, explaining the omission was an editorial mistake and not intentional.