**Georgian Public Broadcaster Faces Severe Institutional Crisis**
The Georgian Public Broadcaster (GPB) is at the center of a growing controversy, with families affected by the broadcaster’s perceived biases and lack of coverage of their concerns. In an action rally in front of the GPB headquarters on April 29, the families called for the public broadcaster to take a more balanced approach to reporting.
According to the families, a “huge systemic resource” is involved in spreading information that discredits them, making it difficult for them to get their voices heard. They argue that the GPB has a responsibility to help them reach a wider audience and provide balanced coverage of their issues.
The families’ demands align with the public broadcaster’s own statutory mission to cover matters of high public interest while maintaining independence, impartiality, and objectivity. However, critics say that the GPB has failed to meet these standards in recent times.
**Criticism Mounts Over Lack of Coverage**
The controversy intensified after November 28, 2024, when the GPB was accused of inadequate coverage of pro-EU protests and police violence against demonstrators. The broadcaster’s limited coverage sparked ongoing demonstrations outside its headquarters, with activists demanding live broadcast access.
For over four months, protesters have gathered daily outside the GPB offices, continuing with marches to Rustaveli Avenue. Despite some airtime being allocated to activists, no meaningful reforms have been made within the channel’s leadership.
**Leadership Criticized for Lack of Reforms**
Several employees who voiced concern over editorial independence during live-streamed meetings of the Board of Trustees were dismissed. The Media Advocacy Coalition has warned that these actions will “deal significant reputational damage to the idea of creating an unbiased public broadcast.”
The recent election of Georgian Dream-named member Vasil Maghlaperidze as the new chair of the GPB Board of Trustees for a three-year term has further fueled criticism. Maghlaperidze’s past positions, including Deputy Chair of the Georgian Dream party and General Director of the GPB, have raised concerns about his potential influence on the broadcaster.
**Watchdog Groups Speak Out**
The Media Advocacy Coalition and other watchdog groups have expressed concern over the GPB’s handling of these issues. They warn that the public broadcaster is facing a severe institutional crisis, which threatens to undermine its credibility and independence.
As protests continue outside the GPB headquarters, it remains to be seen whether the broadcaster will take meaningful steps to address these concerns and restore trust with the public.
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