Georgian Public Broadcaster Faces Growing Backlash Over Editorial Independence
By Liza Mchedlidze
Friday, January 31, 2025
Tensions surrounding the Georgian Public Broadcaster (GPB) reached a boiling point during a live Board of Trustees meeting, as journalists and protesters criticized the station's coverage of key events, particularly its handling of pro-EU protests and the case of imprisoned journalist Mzia Amaghlobeli. The meeting, which was broadcast live, became a platform for dissent as journalists publicly called out the broadcaster's pro-government bias and lack of editorial independence.
The criticisms were voiced most strongly by GPB journalists Vasil-Ivanov Chikovani and Nino Zautashvili. Both journalists have been vocal in their discontent with the station's editorial practices, particularly its failure to provide adequate coverage of the pro-EU protests and Amaghlobeli's hunger strike. Initially denied entry to the meeting, Chikovani and Zautashvili, along with a group of protesters, were eventually allowed to attend after some board members insisted on their participation.
Once inside, Chikovani accused GPB Board Chairman Vasil Maglaperidze of having undue influence over editorial decisions, questioning how a figure with strong ties to the ruling Georgian Dream party could maintain objectivity in his role. Chikovani pointed out that Maglaperidze, who is a former deputy chair of the party, had been present in the newsroom during protests when police clashed with demonstrators. He argued that this further exemplified the station's pro-government stance. "The people's voice is not being heard," Chikovani stated, emphasizing the lack of impartiality in GPB's coverage of critical issues.
The journalists also expressed concerns about the broadcaster's coverage of Amaghlobeli's case. While GPB had briefly mentioned her imprisonment, Chikovani and Zautashvili argued that the station should have provided more detailed analysis, given Amaghlobeli's role as a prominent journalist and her involvement in the pro-EU protests. Chikovani took to the air during the evening news broadcast, repeatedly expressing solidarity with Amaghlobeli and demanding more in-depth coverage, saying, "Solidarity and freedom to Mzia Amaghlobeli" multiple times throughout the segment.
In response to the criticisms, GPB Director General Tinatin Berdzenishvili defended the station's editorial decisions, condemning the backlash as part of a "distorted campaign" against the broadcaster. She reiterated that despite mounting pressure, she had no intention of resigning, firmly standing by the station's editorial choices. Maglaperidze also addressed the accusations, admitting he had appeared on air during the protests but denying any involvement in editorial decisions.
The division within the GPB's leadership became clearer as board members issued conflicting statements. A group of board members, including Maglaperidze, accused activists and political figures of using the pro-EU protests to push for control over the broadcaster's editorial policies. They also claimed that protesters had been using intimidation tactics against GPB employees, framing the calls for management change as an attempt to stifle press freedom.
However, three board members-Lasha Tugushi, Zaza Abashidze, and Lika Basilaia-Shavgulidze-distanced themselves from this stance. In their own statement, they criticized the GPB for failing to address public grievances and for not fulfilling its legal obligation to provide objective, balanced reporting. They expressed concern about the broadcaster's lack of transparency, programming priorities, and internal policies.
