**Georgian Public Broadcaster’s Show “Real Space” Shut Down Amid Controversy**
The editorial team behind the popular Georgian Public Broadcaster (GPB) show “Real Space” has rejected an offer to transfer to other programs and departments within GPB, saying it would mean endorsing the closure of the show. The team accused GPB management of effectively shutting down the 12-year-old program.
**A Blow to Independent Journalism**
The decision by GPB’s management to not renew “Real Space” beyond its current project term has been met with strong opposition from the show’s team and media watchdogs. The team behind the show, which has built a reputation for facilitating direct dialogue between citizens and public officials, said it could no longer bring truth to viewers on this channel.
The move comes as GPB faces intense scrutiny over allegations of stifling editorial independence and silencing critical voices within its ranks. Two journalists, Nino Zautashvili and Vasil Ivanov-Chikovani, were dismissed in April after publicly criticizing GPB’s editorial direction. The Media Advocacy Coalition has warned that the dismissals pose a threat to journalistic autonomy.
**A Protest Against Censorship**
The Real Space team expressed solidarity with remaining staff at GPB and vowed to continue advocating for independent journalism and true public service media from outside the institution. They characterized GPB’s offer to transfer its members as an attempt to fragment the team and suppress its work.
“This is not just about us; it’s about the future of public broadcasting in Georgia,” said a statement from the Real Space team. “We are being prevented from broadcasting a program that we believe is essential to the public right now – one that directly fulfills GPB’s mission: to make the public’s voice heard.”
**A Fight for Press Freedom**
The dismissal of Zautashvili and Ivanov-Chikovani, as well as the closure of “Real Space,” have sparked widespread outrage among media advocates and civil society groups. The families of detained protesters have also demanded airtime and live court coverage from GPB.
As the controversy surrounding GPB continues to unfold, it remains to be seen whether the public broadcaster will take steps to address allegations of censorship and uphold its commitment to press freedom.
**The Verdict**
GPB’s decision to shut down “Real Space” has sparked a severe institutional crisis within the broadcaster. The move has been met with resistance from the show’s team and media watchdogs, highlighting concerns over press freedom and editorial independence in Georgia.
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