The organisation of the Armen Dulyan Award ceremony through public fundraising carries particular symbolic significance. The renowned journalist enjoyed a wide circle of admirers, and this initiative represents a meaningful way of reciprocating the value of his lifelong professional dedication. It is especially important that journalists themselves participate in the fundraising process, through which the award honouring one of their most distinguished colleagues will be established.

The award is intended to promote journalism in Armenia founded on the principles of high professionalism, integrity, and impartiality. Its significance lies in enhancing the standing of the profession, elevating professional standards, and contributing to the restoration of public trust in journalists.

“Don’t you agree?” — Armen Dulyan would conclude one of his well-known TV programmes (“Transition with Dulyan”).

Armen Dulyan himself never received a professional award during his lifetime. He would, of course, have welcomed such recognition; however, it was never conferred.

In Armenia, there is little to no widely recognised, authoritative, and impartial national journalism award. Many distinguished journalists are not only left unrecognised during their lifetimes, but their professional legacy and core principles are often forgotten after their death. This award seeks, at least in part, to address that gap.

The public dissemination of Armen Dulyan’s “journalistic commandments” will underscore the importance of professional, honest, and impartial journalism, serving as an example for the field. The Armen Dulyan Award will encourage journalism guided by the highest standards of professionalism and objectivity.

The refined, high-quality statuette—created as the physical embodiment of the award—will further emphasise the pursuit of excellence and quality in all aspects of the profession, values that were characteristic of Armen Dulyan himself.

In memory of the distinguished journalist and publicist Armen Dulyan, and with the aim of promoting professional and impartial journalism, the Union of Journalists of Armenia announced in 2025 the establishment of the annual Armen Dulyan Award, to be conferred from 2026 onwards.

In 2025, one year prior to the inaugural ceremony, Armen Dulyan’s family and colleagues initiated the creation of the original award statuette. Based on this original, the Union of Journalists of Armenia will produce replicas annually for presentation to the laureates. The original bronze statuette was created through public fundraising on the reArmenia platform. Its author, the young sculptor Arman Hambardzumyan, has fully transferred the copyright of the statuette to Armen Dulyan’s family.

The 2026 replica of the award statuette has likewise been produced by the author and delivered to the Union of Journalists of Armenia. A selection committee has been formed to determine this year’s laureate. By virtue of her office, the committee is chaired by Satik Seyranyan, President of the Union of Journalists of Armenia, and includes prominent journalists who recognise Armen Dulyan’s professional legacy and uphold his principles.

Notably, during the production process, Satik Seyranyan expressed concern that the bronze statuette should be comfortable to hold and not excessively heavy. Upon completion, the sculptor tested and weighed the piece, confirming with relief that it is easy to hold and weighs no more than 1.5 kg.

Currently, in accordance with the vision of the initiative group and the Union of Journalists of Armenia, a fundraising campaign is being launched to establish the award fund and to ensure the proper organisation and conduct of the award ceremony.

Armen Dulyan’s 10 “Commandments” of Journalism

1. Do not lie.
2. Do not violate human dignity.
3. Do not publish unverified information.
4. Do not take sides—neither with the authorities nor the opposition.
5. Do not write against your colleagues.
6. Do not fulfill political orders.
7. Do not act against your conscience.
8. Do not seek to please your readers or audience.
9. Do not presume to lecture.
10. Do not incite hatred toward individuals or nations.

BUDGET