Overview of Ampop Media
Empowering Public Understanding Through Data-Driven Journalism

Who We Are

Ampop Media is an independent media initiative based in Armenia, dedicated to producing data-driven, explanatory journalism that empowers citizens, informs public discourse, and holds institutions accountable. We are the editorial arm of the “Journalists for the Future” NGO and have built a trusted reputation for transforming complex topics into accessible, visual, and deeply researched stories. Our work bridges the gap between public policy and the people it affects, presenting information in a transparent, digestible, and impactful way.

Since our founding in 2016, Ampop Media has emerged as a pioneer of data journalism in Armenia, combining investigative reporting, civic technology, multimedia storytelling, and open-source intelligence to deliver content that shapes conversations and influences decision-making. In an era of information overload and disinformation, we strive to be a reliable compass for our audiences.

Our Mission

Our mission is to foster data literacy, increase civic awareness, and stimulate fact-based public dialogue in Armenia and beyond. We are committed to:

• Presenting high-quality, independent journalism grounded in evidence and ethical standards.
• Investigating systemic issues such as corruption, governance failures, and public sector inefficiencies.
• Promoting transparency and accountability through public access to structured data and informed analysis.
• Using innovative formats—infographics, video, podcast, and interactive visuals—to make complex issues accessible.

What We Do

Ampop Media’s editorial scope spans a wide range of sectors, including governance, economics, environment, healthcare, education, infrastructure, justice, and human rights. What sets us apart is not only what we cover but how we do it:

1. Explanatory Journalism
   We go beyond headlines. Our stories are in-depth explainers that walk readers through the “how” and “why” of social, political, and economic phenomena. By contextualizing events within historical, institutional, and statistical frameworks, we offer clarity and insight.
2. Data Journalism
   We collect, clean, analyze, and visualize public data—often poorly structured or hidden in reports—to uncover hidden patterns, trends, or discrepancies. Our team is trained in using data as both a tool and a source.
3. Investigative Projects
   Ampop regularly produces investigative series on issues of national significance. Our recent investigations have explored the North-South Road Corridor Investment Program, Armenia’s public procurement system, the misuse of donor funds, and pre-trial detention trends, among others.
4. Multimedia Storytelling
   We recognize that different stories require different formats. That’s why we complement our written reports with engaging visuals—infographics, animations, maps, timelines, and charts—as well as audio and video content that brings subjects to life.
5. Capacity Building and Media Literacy
   We actively train young journalists, civil society actors, and educators in data literacy, fact-checking, and digital content production. Our workshops and learning modules are designed to enhance media resilience and democratic participation.

Our Values

• Accuracy – Every fact is checked. Every number is sourced.
• Transparency – We publish our data sources and methods.
• Civic Impact – Our work is rooted in public interest, not commercial clicks.
• Independence – We are politically and financially independent from the state and private interests.
• Innovation – We experiment with new formats and technologies to enhance storytelling.
• Inclusivity – We strive to represent diverse voices and marginalized perspectives.

Why Our Work Matters

Armenia faces deep challenges in governance, transparency, and media freedom. While there is growing demand for reliable information, the media landscape remains polarized, underfunded, and vulnerable to disinformation. Ampop Media was created to fill a critical gap: to provide trustworthy, analytical, and visually powerful journalism that deciphers the complexity behind policies and numbers.

Our work is not only a source of public knowledge—it is a tool for civic engagement, policy evaluation, and democratic oversight. By turning dense government data and institutional reports into stories people can understand, Ampop Media helps bridge the distance between power and the public.

Notable Projects and Impact

1. North-South Road Investigation (2025)
   A multimedia investigation into Armenia’s largest infrastructure investment project—covering delayed construction, ineffective use of loans, and weak accountability mechanisms. The investigation drew on open data, financial documents, and expert interviews, sparking public dialogue and institutional response.
2. Tax Reform Series
   A series of infographics and articles explaining Armenia’s shifting tax policies and their impact on freelance workers, small businesses, and the service sector. The visualizations helped readers better understand their obligations and rights.
3. Judicial Transparency Monitoring
   Ampop analyzed and visualized the Armenian judiciary’s performance using publicly available court data, exposing patterns in case loads, delays, and outcomes. The project enhanced transparency and initiated discussions in legal circles.
4. COVID-19 Data Hub (2020–2021)
   One of the first Armenian platforms to track pandemic trends with daily-updated dashboards and regional breakdowns. Widely cited by local and international organizations, the project became a go-to resource during the crisis.
5. Youth Media Trainings
   Partnering with universities and NGOs, Ampop has delivered dozens of interactive trainings on media literacy, journalistic ethics, social media storytelling, and data visualization for young journalists and civic leaders.

Our Audience

Ampop Media’s core audience includes:

• Civic-minded citizens
• Journalists and editors
• Policy experts and researchers
• Civil society organizations
• University students and educators
• International observers and development partners

With a strong presence on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and ampop.am website, we reach over 250,000 people monthly. Our bilingual approach—Armenian and English—ensures that both domestic and international stakeholders can access our reporting.

Our Team

Ampop Media brings together journalists, analysts, designers, videographers, and data experts who share a commitment to impactful storytelling. We are a cross-functional team that values curiosity, integrity, and precision. Many of our staff are trained in data analysis, statistics, visual communication, and digital security, equipping us to take on complex assignments with confidence.

Ampop Media was founded by Suren Deheryan, who serves as the platform’s Editor-in-Chief. The editorial team is led by Senior Editors Lilit Poghosyan and Karine Darbinyan, who guide content strategy and oversee story development. Maria Khachatryan supports the team as communications specialist, ensuring clarity, reach, and engagement across platforms.

Partnerships and Recognition

Ampop Media collaborates with a range of partners, including international organizations, donors, media associations, and academic institutions. We have implemented projects with the support of:

• N-ost – European journalistic network
• Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung (FES)
• The Center for International Private Enterprise (CIPE)
• UNDP Armenia
• Various EU and US-based grant programs

Our work has been featured by regional networks, cited in policy discussions, and republished by mainstream outlets. We actively engage with both local and global media and civic networks to exchange best practices and amplify underreported stories.

Join Us or Work With Us

Whether you’re a fellow journalist, researcher, donor, or reader—we invite you to engage with us. Follow our content, cite our findings, collaborate on new projects, or reach out with ideas. We believe that transparent and inclusive journalism is essential to building stronger societies, and we’re always looking for new ways to grow that mission.

📍 Visit us at ampop.am
📧 Contact: [email protected]
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