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What deficiencies do the Georgian media have – a lack of professionalism, freedom of expression, or….?

Thursday, April 5
“There are a lot of problems in the Georgian media but I think what journalists lack most is a sense of accountability to people, spectators, readers, and all of society. If you write or broadcast news that does not coincide with reality, or you hide the actual news, you have no accountability in front of people. This is the problem.”
Levan, Lecturer, 42

“Well, I think we have very experienced journalists. They know their job and, personally, I want to say thank because this profession is extremely tiring and risky. So, I appreciate not only Georgian but all the journalists throughout the world.”
Maka, Student, 19

“Lack of professionalism is their personal problem, freedom of expression and speech is the government’s problem. If not for their pressure on media outlets, we [the public] would get more unbiased and impartial information everyday and not just news about our glorious government.”
Giorgi, Economist, 28

“I think media representatives cannot develop their professionalism when there is only one impartial TV channel, one-and-a-half radio stations, and almost two objective newspapers. It cannot be said unequivocally that there is no freedom of expression in Georgia, however, it should be noted that the government controls 80% of major media television and radio [stations]."
Alexander, Lawyer, 24

“Lack of professionalism is indeed the current issue in Georgian media. Strangely, but the least professional media representatives are concentrated in the PR agencies of the ruling party. Specifically, they cannot be called media, they are PR agents."
Lali, Professor, 40

“Oh I think everything together: a lack of professionalism, law and codes, producers’ censorship, lack of creativity, etc.”
Irinka, PR Manager, 25

“I think Georgian journalists can hardly distinguish good from bad and better from worse. But the fact that they are so easily biased is the main problem that makes them look more like puppets in someone’s hands rather than professionals at their job – which means observing the situation in and outside the country and serving the truth for people’s welfare.”
Nino, Interpreter, 29