YEREVAN. - Armenian TV channels decide on paid broadcasting times also known as political advertising for political parties and blocs participating in the upcoming parliamentary elections on May 6, 2012.

On H2 TV channel the broadcasting timetable will be as follows: during the first six days of the week broadcast will be available from 6.00 p.m. to 12.00 p.m. The political advertisement costs AMD 60 thousand per minute including VAT. During the day on weekdays and Saturday advertisements will cost AMD 30 thousand per minute, including VAT. Each political party is given not more than 10 minutes per day.

We were not able to get any information on Shant TC channel’s timetable, however, paid broadcasting costs AMD 120 thousand per minute on Shant (including VAT).

On Armenia TV channel paid broadcasting time is from 6.00 p.m. to 8.00 p.m. daily. Each party is given not more than 6 minutes per day. Advertisement costs AMD 110 thousand per minute (including VAT).

Yerkir Media TV channel has set several time ranges – on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays from 6.40 p.m. to 7.00 p.m., 9.45 p.m. – 10.00 p.m., 11.00 p.m. – 11.40 p.m., on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays 7.40 p.m. – 10.00 p.m., 9.45 p.m. – 10.00 p.m., 11.00 p.m. – 11.40 p.m.

To note, the Armenian CEC earlier confirmed the free and paid broadcasting times for the political parties and blocs participating in the upcoming parliamentary elections on May 6. On April 8-22 Armenia’s Public Television will broadcast pre-election agitation of parties and blocs 2 minutes for free and up to 4 minutes paid, on April 23-28, 2 minutes free of charge and up to 5 minutes paid, from April 29 to May 4, 3 minutes for free and up to 5 minutes paid. Armenian Public Television charges AMD 80 thousand per minute for paid broadcasting.

Eight political parties and one block have presented their nominations – Republican Party of Armenian, Prosperous Armenia Party, Orinats Yerkir, opposition Armenian National Congress, opposition Heritage Party, ARF Dashnaktsutyun, the Communist Party of Armenia, Democratic Party of Armenia and United Armenians Party.

For entering the National Assembly, parties must poll over 5% of votes, while blocks - over 7%.

The election campaign will be held till May 5 - the day prior to elections when campaigning is banned. The parliamentary elections will be held from 8 am to 8 pm on May 6, 2012.