The Armenian Report's Top Exclusive Stories of 2024, Powered by Our Readers
As we close out 2024, we want to take a moment to extend a heartfelt thank you to our monthly and annual subscribers. Thanks to your persistent support, The Armenian Report has been able to independently produce over a dozen exclusive stories from Armenia and the diaspora this year. Your contributions have made it possible for us to remain a fully independent news source, and it’s because of you that we’re able to bring you these top 10 exclusive stories. These stories were created just for you and wouldn’t have been possible without your support. Now, we invite you to revisit and dive deep into the exclusive moments of 2024—stories that only The Armenian Report could bring you.
Our Top 10 Exclusive Stories of 2024:
The Armenian Report Goes on Ride-Along with European Union Mission in Armenia
Brief Summary: The Armenian Report had the rare opportunity to shadow the European Union Mission in Armenia (EUMA) during one of their critical observation missions. Our correspondent, Ani Khachatryan, spent an entire day with the EUMA team, capturing the essence of their work in the Vayots Dzor Province. From the operational base in Yeghegnadzor to the villages of Khachik and Areni, Ani documented the challenges they face in ensuring security and stability. This exclusive story, shot in Spring 2024, offers our readers a firsthand look at EUMA's role in Armenia and is now available for all to watch on our YouTube channel.
Behind the Scenes: One of the only media outlets to go on a ride-along with the European Union Mission in Armenia, this was a big story for us! Not only did we get to interview Dr. Markus Ritter, Head of EUMA, but we were also placed in the same vehicle as him during this mission. It’s incredible to witness the process through which they work, gather information, and see where this information is sent. This report is a must-watch!
Kirk Wise Reflects on the Challenges and Rewards of Making The Hunchback of Notre Dame During Yerevan Visit
Brief Summary: This was a unique opportunity for both our readers and our reporter, as we had the chance to interview the creator of many of our beloved childhood cartoons and stories.
Behind the Scenes: This was a special collaboration for The Armenian Report, as we became a media partner for the first time at the ReA Festival – the International Animation Film and Comics Art Festival in Yerevan.
Jim McDonnell Named LAPD Chief: What It Means for the Armenian Community in Los Angeles
Brief Summary: When we saw this announcement, we immediately recognized its significance to our readers at The Armenian Report. With Los Angeles being home to a large Armenian community, the appointment of a new police chief is the kind of news that strongly resonates with the diaspora, keeping them informed about key leadership changes in the city.
Behind the Scenes: It was a true pleasure interviewing Glendale’s Police Chief, Manny Cid, for this story. Chief Cid is a consummate professional and a loyal ally of the Armenian community in Glendale. What brought us even more joy was seeing this article widely shared—not only among industry professionals but also within the community members who have close ties to the police. We’re proud to have been the trusted source for many readers who found the interviews and information in this piece both valuable and informative.
“No Armenian is Safe”: Ruben Vardanyan’s Son Calls for Action on Political Prisoners Held in Baku
Brief Summary: This is a crucial video we published, and we hope it will be widely shared across the globe. Dozens of Armenian prisoners, including philanthropist Ruben Vardanyan, are still being illegally held in Azerbaijan. Until Mr. Vardanyan and the other POWs return home safely, we must continue sharing this video of his son calling for action!
Behind the Scenes: We were honored to be the chosen media outlet to exclusively share this video with the world. We do not take this responsibility lightly—it’s a significant honor to be trusted with one of the most important calls to action in modern Armenian history: to secure the release of our POWs!
Viral Wedding Video: Filipino Bride Shocks Armenian Groom with Fluent Vows in Western Armenian
Brief Summary: The moment we saw this viral wedding video, we immediately reached out to the bride, Michelle Alacon Krakirian, for an exclusive interview. We were the first outlet to speak with her and uncover all the insider details—from how she learned the vows to what happened on the wedding day.
Behind the Scenes: This story held a special place for our Editor-in-Chief, Anna Kachikyan, as a diaspora Armenian. She knew this interview and video would resonate deeply with diaspora Armenians around the world. It became a beautiful symbol of unity and mutual respect between cultures.
How Tavush Residents Lost Their Lands to Azerbaijan Through Government-Approved Demarcation in 2024
Brief Summary: In 2024, The Armenian Report spent two months in Tavush province, documenting the community’s resistance to border concessions. Our reporters, Ani Khachatryan and Ani Gevorgyan, lived among locals, covering daily breaking news and capturing exclusive videos now available on our YouTube channel. From protests and roadblocks to nationwide marches, Tavush’s fight for justice became a symbol of resilience and unity. As the year ends, we’re proud to have shared these powerful stories and remain committed to independent journalism.
Behind the Scenes: Our reporter, Ani Khachatryan, spent a night in the vehicle monitoring the delimitation process to ensure that, if government officials arrived to disperse the protesters, The Armenian Report would be there to capture and document the events. We were graciously welcomed into a border villager's home, where we found shelter. We spent the evenings with them, discussing current events, which gave us a greater understanding of what the local community was feeling and experiencing. The Armenian Report documented everything we possibly could to ensure that the entire process would be available in the future, allowing us to bear witness to the loss of our homeland.
Dr. Alveda King Leads Delegation to Stand with Persecuted Armenian Christians & Honor Their Resilience
Brief Summary: Dr. Alveda King, the niece of civil rights leader Martin Luther King Jr., traveled to Armenia this summer, leading a delegation to stand in solidarity with persecuted Armenian Christians.
Behind the Scenes: Dr. King demonstrated deep respect during her visit, insisting on conducting the interview standing rather than in a wheelchair. She also walked to the eternal flame at the Armenian Genocide Memorial, honoring the memory of the victims.
Survivor of 1999 Armenian Parliament Shooting Shares Her Story
Brief Summary: To mark the 25th anniversary of the tragic Armenian Parliament shooting, we interviewed a journalist who was present during the attack and bore witness to the events firsthand.
Behind the Scenes: This interview came with unexpected challenges. Initially, we had another guest scheduled, but they canceled just two hours before the interview. Understanding the sensitivity of the topic, we had rented a studio and equipment to ensure a professional setup, incurring costs regardless of the cancellation. Undeterred, our reporter Ani quickly secured an interview with another survivor, conducting the session at a hotel in Yerevan at the last minute. We understand that losses like this are part of doing business, but since they don’t happen often, it was a big learning experience for us. Although the financial loss wasn’t significant, it was still disappointing to see resources go to waste.
What Happened to Artsakh's Prisoners After Azerbaijan’s Occupation? Insights from Human Rights Defender Gegham Stepanyan
Brief Summary: This compelling interview on The Armenian Report’s YouTube channel features Artsakh’s Human Rights Defender, Gegham Stepanyan, who provides crucial insights into the fate of Artsakh’s inmates following Azerbaijan’s occupation of the Republic of Artsakh.
Behind the Scenes: The idea for this story came up during a brainstorming session led by The Armenian Report’s Ani Khachatryan. As we discussed Artsakh-related topics, a pressing question arose: What happened to the inmates? Were they still in Artsakh? How were they evacuated? Were they released during the war to fight? These questions sparked an "aha" moment, and we knew we had to find answers. Thankfully, Gegham Stepanyan graciously addressed all our inquiries in this interview.
Exploring Akhalkalak: A Journey Through Armenian History in Javakhk Region
Brief Summary: A deep dive into the long history of the Armenians of Akhalkalak, a town in modern-day Georgia, where Armenians make up about 90% of the population.
Behind the Scenes: This was our first-ever story where The Armenian Report’s Ani Khachatryan traveled outside the country to cover a story for us.
Thank you once again to our dedicated monthly subscribers—your support made it possible for us to cover all these exclusive stories in 2024. Because of you, we have remained an independent media outlet committed to serving our readers.
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