Armenian Press Day (16/10)

Professional holiday of all employees of periodicals in Armenia — Armenian Press Day — is celebrated in the country annually on October 16. It was established in recognition of the merits of the national press of Armenia in the life of the country.

The Armenian press is more than two hundred years old. On October 16, 1794, the first Armenian printed periodical magazine «Azdarar» («Bulletin») was published in Madras (India). In 1794-1796, 18 issues of the magazine were published, the publisher and editor of which was Harutyun Shmavonyan.

Despite the short history of the existence of «Azdarr», it was of great importance for the formation and development of the Armenian press and the Armenian national media in general.

In memory of this event, by decision of the Government of Armenia dated April 22, 2004, Press Worker Day was established. Subsequently, this day was renamed Armenian Press Day.

Today, the periodical press in Armenia takes an active civic position. Despite the fact that the daily circulation of each republican printed publication (of which there are about a hundred in the country) does not exceed three to four thousand copies, the Armenian printed press is known abroad and receives awards.

For example, the Armenian newspaper «Business Express» was awarded by the Russian government. Namely, on September 25, 2012, Prime Minister of the Russian Federation Dmitry Medvedev signed a decree according to which the newspaper «Business Express» was awarded a certificate of honor from the Russian government for its great contribution to the preservation of the Russian language and culture, as well as to the consolidation of compatriots abroad.

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