Tensions Rise as Protesters Demand Changes at Georgian Public Broadcaster
By Liza Mchedlidze
Monday, December 2, 2024
On December 1, protests in front of the Georgian Public Broadcaster (GBP) intensified as demonstrators blocked traffic after the channel's leadership refused to meet with them. The protesters, calling for the resignation of GBP's Director Tinatin Berdzenishvili and Board Chair Vasil Maglaperidze, demanded that the broadcaster provide equal airtime for opposition leaders and President Salome Zourabichvili. GBP responded by stating that it was willing to allow President Zourabichvili to speak "even today."
The conflict between the GBP and the protesters escalated after the channel issued an official statement, accusing opposition TV channels of putting "unprecedented pressure" on the broadcaster, which it said hindered its ability to perform its duties. The GBP also condemned the use of violence and disproportionate force against journalists during the protests, calling on authorities to investigate and ensure journalists' safety.
This protest follows months of growing discontent over what many see as the GBP's biased coverage, with accusations that it predominantly airs content favoring the ruling Georgian Dream party. Maglaperidze, a former deputy chair of Georgian Dream, has faced criticism for his role in allegedly censoring opposition voices.
Earlier on November 30, journalists and activists had camped outside the GBP building, demanding that the channel broadcast a broader spectrum of political opinions. This led to a special live broadcast where opposition figures, journalists, and ordinary citizens involved in the protests spoke out.
The GBP is publicly funded, with an annual budget allocation of GEL 110.3 million for 2024. Tensions between the broadcaster and the ruling party flared in November 2023 over changes to its funding scheme, although the issue was later resolved. Despite these efforts, accusations of censorship and government bias remain a significant issue for the channel, especially amidst the ongoing protests.
