While the discussion is ongoing, on 17th of November 2017 Georgian National Communications Committee shared a statement, where they supported the initiative without making any arguments and proof. Committee agrees that Public Broadcasting can get revenue from the advertising and sponsorships, in addition to the guaranteed and increasing funding from the national budget.

This position, on one hand, opposes the initiative that the committee itself proposed 2 years ago to make changes in Public Broadcasting Law, according to which, to create the competitive environment, Public Broadcasting was restricted in time they could devote to advertising. On the other hand, the statement does not include the fact that half of Public Broadcasting budget is the advertising market and next year, due to GDP increase, it will be 6 million more. Under these circumstances, the positive evaluation of the bill neglects the interests of private broadcasters and shows the unequal treatment of media, which is directed against the Committee’s legislative function to create a competitive environment and support the development of broadcasters.

Based on everything above, we request that:

• The regulating committee, based on their legislative functions and mission and the evaluations of nongovernmental and broadcasting organizations, provide proof to support their position.

• The regulating committee publicizes the decision making procedure on releasing the statement as well as the information on which members supported it.

Signing organizations:

• Georgian Young Lawyers Association
• Transparency International Georgia
• Foundation “Open Society Georgia”
• Georgian Regional Media Association
• Georgian Charter of Journalistic Ethics
• Journalism Resource Center
• Small and Medium Telecom Operators Association of Georgia