The administration of the Georgian Public Broadcaster (GPB) has responded to the parents of individuals detained during pro-European protests, who are demanding a meeting with the channel’s management and live airtime. In its letter, the administration notes that the First Channel of Georgia ensures compliance with the principle of balance in its programming and presents a wide range of different opinions on the issues covered.
“We also inform you that the editorial independence and inviolability of the Public Broadcaster are guaranteed by the Law of Georgia ‘On Broadcasting’ (Article 18). According to the law, the Public Broadcaster, its officials, and employees are independent in the exercise of their powers and are subject solely to the law. Any influence on or interference in their activities is impermissible, and decisions made as a result of such interference shall be deemed invalid.
Encroachment on the editorial, managerial, and financial independence of the Public Broadcaster, including through the issuance of instructions, directives, demands for approval, or the exertion of any other pressure by administrative bodies, is prohibited.
Given the above, the Public Broadcaster independently, within the framework of its editorial independence, makes decisions regarding the broadcasting schedule and program content in accordance with the current news agenda. At the same time, the First Channel of Georgia ensures compliance with balance and presents a wide range of different opinions on the issues covered,” the statement says.
To recall, relatives of those detained during the protests are holding a demonstration outside the Public Broadcaster’s building, demanding live airtime, a meeting with the management, and a meeting of the Board of Trustees, where they want to get an answer as to why they have not yet been given the opportunity to speak live on air.
