Background of the organization

“Antenna” is a non-governmental, non-profit organization. The organization was founded in December 1998 by a group of experienced professionals of TV and Radio Companies of Armenia. Members of the organization aspire to realize fully own potential and integrate professional growth into the transformation processes taking place in our society. Having clear-cut vision and aims "Antenna" applies the following methods to implement its chartered goals: Production of Social Programs and Public Service Announcements; Establish cooperation and participate in the meetings with the colleagues from Georgia and Azerbaijan; Establish exchange of information with the organization of the same profile in various countries; Conducting training courses and participation in various seminars, conferences and workshops; Publication of own information bulletin; Publication in local print media; Production and dissemination of cultural and educational programs for radio; Monitoring and analysis of Armenian radio programs; Popularization of Armenian music, and rendering assistance to young musicians. NGO Antenna actively cooperates with local and foreign organizations: the British Council, Eurasia Foundation, Internews Armenia, Yerevan Press Club, OSI AF Armenia, USIS, British Embassy, Canadian Embassy, French Embassy, BBC Trust, World Learning, Soros Foundation Hungary, European Union.

In the past seven years, Antenna has executed ten projects. Here some of them:

Project - Radio Theater «Sunrise at 6.30»
The attempt to create an entertaining theatrical series with smart presentation of serious social situations was carried out. As a result of the project the creation of the first Armenian radio serial consisting of 50 series in a genre of so-called “soap” took place. For the first time, previously the banned from discussion topics were mentioned, among those were domestic violence, rights of the invalids, sexual minorities. Dates of the project 11.1999- 04.2000. Donor - Open Society Institute

Project - Radio Talk Show «Versus Domestic Violence»
Result of the project - 11 live Talk Shows. The invited experts participated in each broadcast and at the time of air listeners could call and ask questions. Also we recorded down monologues of victims and broadcasted them in an air. Especially should be noted that we received calls to the studio not only from Yerevan but also from the regions. Dates of the project 09.2000- 09 2001. Donor -World Learning

Project - International radio program RADIOBRIDGE of the countries of the South Caucasus
Result of the project - 38 weekly radio bridges in live. From each country two persons participated - one announcer and one expert. It was very important that we managed to achieve the situation when the representatives of Armenia and Azerbaijan not only told about their problems in the countries, but also asked questions to each other and took part in the discussions. Our organization was one of three partners. Dates of the project  08.2002- 08.2003. Donor - The Eurasia Foundation, Synergy Program.

Project -Creation of Resource Center of the Armenian Sub-Culture
The objective is to unite the Armenian musicians, record them and create an audio archive, promote in Armenia and assist at creating connections with the international agents. For promotional purposes a web-site (www.arminrock.am) created. Quarterly an independent bulletin issued in electronic and printed version. During the period of one year there also organized two seminars for young art administrator, and two round tables. Dates of the project 05.2003- 05.2004. Donor - Open Society Institute Hungary.

Project - “Cycle of programs on Trafficking”.
The purpose of this program was to explain to the listeners the term «trading people» and how not to become a victim of it. The communication with the radio listeners was provided through the telephone.12 live programs, 6 social advertisings. Donor - USIS $8140. Dates of the project 10.2002 - 07.2003

Project -Human Rights Radio Series
The purpose of the Human Rights Radio Series project is to create 30 series based on the “Declaration of Human Rights” that will promote human rights and democratization activities. The series of radio broadcasts not only acquaint the listeners with their rights, but help any citizen of Armenia to understand the facts around the violations of their rights, and will be the impetus for them to stand up for their individual and collective rights. The project also produce public service announcements, interactive call-in 10 talk shows discussing human rights, the development of a website www.antenna.am/serial  and a published manual. Dates of the project 06.2004 – 06.2005, Donor - European Union.

Source: Antenna NGO (Official translation)