Media development process in Georgia and EU participation in the process

Ketevan  Mskhiladze, the chief of the monitoring group of the Georgian Public Broadcasting (GPB), Lasha Tugushi, Chief Editor, Newspaper  Resonance, Paata Vashadze, Editor, Publisher, Georgian daily the 24 Hours were invited to the studio. Media issue in Georgia – ownership and editorial independence was the main topic discussed by the guests in the studio. What is the main challenge media faces in Georgia and how to overcome the pressing problems, how to deal with the ownership influence on the content of news coverage. Experts stated that media owners often use outlets for their commercial and political interests as a simple tool of influence. Under the circumstances, understanding of professional values and honesty among journalists plays a crucial role in providing society with unbiased, balanced information on important issues. John Lloyd reviewed European experience and gave global perspective on the matter outlining the necessity for better education, solidarity, and economic growth in improving state and performance of media in the post-soviet countries.  

Phone interview with an expert was conducted with David Paichadze, Assistant-Professor, Ilia Chavchavadze State University.

Success story was held with Paata Gurgenidze, Project Director, Democracy and Development, Caucasus Institution of Peace.

Review of Europe was conducted by John Lloyd, Director, Roiter Institute of Journalist Research at Oxford University.

Two listeners took part in the radio discussion.