Media freedom exists insofar as there are proportionate safeguards for media regulation. These safeguards are designed to protect the public from harmful content and disinformation, while simultaneously ensuring equitable access for different actors. Such factors are particularly crucial during elections, when accurate information and fair representation can significantly influence democratic outcomes. 

With Armenia set to head to the parliamentary elections in June 2026, the Council of Europe has intensified its co-operation with national authorities to protect media freedom and the integrity of the information space.  
The challenges facing the media environment are becoming more complex. Disinformation, foreign information manipulation and interference, hate speech, and the misuse of artificial intelligence can all affect public trust and the integrity of democratic debate. This is why the role of media regulation during elections should be understood not as a restriction, but as a safeguard that protects our society from harmful content and disinformation. 
In this respect, a Workshop on media coverage of elections for audiovisual media service providers was organised jointly by the Council of Europe and the Commission on Television and Radio of Armenia on 6 May in Yerevan. The event served as a platform to strengthen the capacity of journalists in providing balanced and impartial reporting. 

The Commission on Television and Radio presented a comprehensive overview of the media landscape, the legal framework for the pre-electoral campaign, the methodology for assessing equal conditions for political parties and alliances, and the procedures related to monitoring and reporting. 
The Council of Europe placed particular emphasis on the use of artificial intelligence in media in the context of elections. AI can serve as a valuable tool for media work, enhancing efficiency, analysis, and access to information. At the same time, its application in pre-election campaigns underscores a dual role: while it can significantly improve media operations, it also carries the potential to facilitate manipulation, misinformation, and bias. 
Bringing together approximately 60 representatives from audiovisual media service providers, the Armenian Central Electoral Commission, and the Ombudsperson’s Staff, the workshop strengthened participants' awareness of their rights, responsibilities, and the various challenges they may face while performing their duties during the pre-election period.

The workshop was organised by the Council of Europe Division for Cooperation on Freedom of Expression within the Promoting freedom of expression, media and access to information in Armenia under the Council of Europe Action Plan 2023-2026 for Armenia.