In the early 1990s the television was comparably freed of censorship. Along with social and political broadcasts the entertaining shows had been increased. “Khchjankar” (Mosaic) program that on the last day of 1990 aired “Chjampordutiun depi 1991 Tvakane” (Travel to the Year of 1991) 24-hour telethon enjoyed great popularity. A month later a new TV series “3-rd Alik” (3rd Channel) was launched, whose creative group was in the main formed on the first day: Artak Arzumanyan, Elmira Arsenyan, Artavazd Eghoyan, Vachagan Nersisyan, Karen Kocharyan.
Independence won in1991 was the beginning of a new era for Armenian nation. Armenian media got an opportunity to develop under free and favorable conditions for the first time. A few days after the declaration of independence “Haylur” (Armenian News) newscast anchored by Tigran Naghdalyan was launched. Each issue of that program was ended with a music video, most often with the songs by Robert Hakhverdyan.
However, the independence was not easily gained. Armenia suffered energy crisis. Owing to lack of energy that was given only for 2-3 hours a day, TV broadcasts were decreased 2-3 times as less; the country suffered economic crisis; military operations in Karabakh started. The Karabakh war was in the center of Armenian journalists’ attention. Reporters, with photo and video cameras, dictaphones, pens an paper in their hands, worked in the war fields, in the hottest spots. In May, 1992 the group of journalists created the TV series “Artsakhian Obiektiv” (Karabakh’s Camera Lens). In 1994 another TV series – “Goyamart” (Struggle for Existence) – was launched. A great role in the creation of Karabagkh struggle chronicle belongs to the serial made by Tsvetana Paskaleva, the Bulgarian director and documentary screenwriter of Armenian origin.
In November, 1996 the 40th anniversary of Armenian television was celebrated with festivities. National television maintained its previous achievements with great difficulties. In 1997, 6 years after the closure of “Haylur”, Tigran Naghdalyan renewed his activities at television, launching “Orakarg” (Agenda) broadcast. In those years “Art 13” small TV studio was created, which was supported by the then Defense Minister Vazgen Sargsyan. “Zinuzh” (Armed Forces) broadcast was launched as well.
Since 1999 Armenian television started broadcasting via satellite, which was implemented based on the contract signed by RA Ministry of Communications and Telespazio, Italy. According to the law that came into force in 2000, National Television was renamed into Public Television Company with «Հ1» logotype. In accordance with the RA Law on “Television and Radio” that came into force in the same year, Public TV Company was obligated to air all the films and broadcasts only in Armenian until January 1, 2005. At first cartoons were translated, later serials were dabbed.
