Georgia’s Audiovisual Legislation and Media Problems

Guests:
Oliver Raisner – European Commission Delegation in Georgia, project manager;
Lika Chakhunashvili –  Dean, Media-School, Caucasus University;
Tamar Gurchiani – Lawyer, Georgian Young Lawyers Association.

Experts:
Maia Miqashavidze –  Dean,  Journalism and Media-Management, Caucasus School

Tamar Babuadze – Journalist of the magazine “Liberal”

Zviad Qoridze – Independent journalist

Topics:
Guests talked about the legislation regulating  media activities in Georgia, about the problems media faces today and whether those problems are caused by  an ineffective legislation or, on the contrary,  by the fact that legislation may be too liberal and the reasons of the ineffectively performance of the media should be found somewhere else.
Oliver Raisner outlined projects supported by the European Commission to foster democratization in Georgia, aimed at  enhancing the role of media as a check and balance institute. He also explained why the existence of strong and independent media is so important.
Other issues were highlighted during the broadcast, such as licensing, media-organisation and ownership transparency. Most journalists say that legislation regulating  media activity in Georgia is liberal, but it is not always implemented. Some details need improvement. Listeners  had the opportunity to listen the views of fellow Georgian citizens about the journalists’ performance. It was clear from the reportage that there is demand for independent, objective and impartial media.