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Self-regulation
Pursuant to Article 14 of the Law of Georgia on Broadcasting and the Code of Conduct of Broadcasters adopted by the Georgian National Communication Commission (GNCC) in 2009, broadcasters are obliged to establish an efficient complains mechanism for considering customers’ complaints.If a broadcaster breaches the Code of Conduct, apply to us through filling out a provided questionnaire and the Media Development Foundation, MDF will present your complaint in a broadcaster's self-regulation body.
Statements
Posted on: 07 May 2019
One More Lawsuit Endangers Editorial Independence of TV Company Rustavi 2
In the beginning of May, Nino Nizharadze, 9% shareholder of TV Company Rustavi 2, filed a lawsuit to the Tbilisi City Court, seeking payment of 26 mln. GEL from the Director and other shareholders of the company.
In light of the events consequent to the lawsuit against Rustavi 2 in 2015, the current claim raises legitimate questions once again.
Rustavi 2, one of the most influential broadcasters that are critical of the government has been facing the threat of editorial policy change for several years. Opinions about the editorial policy of Rustavi 2 may vary, but the existence of critical and diverse media platforms is crucial for a pluralistic media environment.
The new legal dispute hampers the work of the broadcaster; moreover, it threatens media pluralism and free media environment in the country. The potential shift in Rustavi 2’s editorial policy will definitely have a negative impact on 2020 pre-election period and the entire democratic process.
It should be noted that recent developments around other media outlets such as TV Pirveli, Iberia TV and Adjara Television, also raise questions about authorities’ interference in media independence. These issues are and will be negatively reflected in all international reports evaluating the state of the media and democratic development in Georgia. For a transitional democracy like Georgia, it is vital to adhere to the high standard of freedom of speech and expression, which is feasible only in a pluralistic media environment.
Georgian Young Lawyers Association (GYLA)
Georgian Journalistic Ethics Charter
Open Society Georgia Foundation (OSGF)
Alliance of Regional Broadcasters
Small and Medium Telecom Operators Association
Media Club
Alliance of Regional Broadcasters
Liberal Academy Tbilisi
Georgia’s Democracy Initiative (GDI)
Transparency International Georgia (TI)
Media Development Found (MDF)
International Society for Fair Elections and Democracy (ISFED)
Institute for development of freedom of Information (IDFI)
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