IAGJ: “Media must be freed of political pressure”

One month after the Parliamentary elections, Georgian media space experiences momentous events. However, despite wide “media revolution”, a part of experts believe that contours of free and fair media space remain to be seen.

Independent Association of Georgian Journalists appeals to the new government to implement reforms in media ownership

With the handover of power, the media market in Georgia is being redistributed among political groups, a process associated with the violation of journalists’ rights, closing down of television programmes, unfair dismissal from service and non-payment of wages.

What future for Georgian media landscape?

No one knows about possible new incarnation of former so called pro-governmental TV companies Imedi TV, Rustavi 2, Real TV and PIK. Experts suppose that these companies would emerge as carriers of different interests for various political groups.

The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) today called on the authorities in Georgia to guarantee independence of media ahead of the general elections due to take place on 1 October. "Past elections in Georgia have been marred by attempts to control media and obstruct independent reporting, "said IFJ President, Jim Boumelha.

The Central Election Commission (CEC) has passed a decision introducing regulations for filming inside polling stations during the voting day imposing less restriction than initially proposed.The decision was passed by 13-member CEC shortly before the midnight on September 24 with 10 votes to two. CEC members from the Conservative Party and Industrialists, both within the Georgian Dream coalition, voted against, citing that there was no need to introduce any regulations for making video recordings and taking photos inside polling stations on the election day. CEC members from ruling party, UNM, as well as Christian-Democratic Movement were among those who voted in favor; Labor Party representative was absent.

TV channel of Georgian tycoon and currently opposition-leader Bidzina Ivanishvili declared that before the very important elections they’ve invited former CNN anchorman  Larry King as an adviser. 

Why GNS Studio journalists were beaten

According to Interior Ministry, on 22 August, at 21.30, notification was sent from regional hospital to Akhmeta regional police department about physical injury of Bachana Buliskiria and Vasil Dabrindashvili, GNS Studio journalists. The journalists were attacked by owners of wood processing shops Zaur Karmazanashvili and Osiko Chichiashvili together with hid son. The assaulters addressed the police with complaint blaming the journalists for unauthorized entry of their territory.

Annual Report by the Independent Association of Georgian Journalists (IAGJ)

Below is an abridged version of the report prepared by the Independent Association of Georgian Journalists. The report covers the period from January, 2011 to July, 2012. Facts highlighted in it are based on violations registered by the IAGJ, Public Defender and non-governmental organizations, as well as on journalistic material published in the Georgian press throughout the period under review.

Issue of arrested satellite dishes still open

Coalition For Media Advocacy demands from the inter-agency commission to revoke the arrest of satellite dishes of TV Maestro Company and proposes to the Authorities and international organizations to conduct monitoring of dish installations. The coalition and inter-agency commission have just met on the matter.