Imedi TV investigation: 22 so-called online media outlets coordinated to sustain artificial protests, influence public opinion

Imedi TV on Sunday uncovered a coordinated network of 22 online media outlets accused of maintaining artificial protest campaigns and influencing public opinion in Georgia, backed by nearly ₾17.5 million in foreign funding.

Twenty-two so-called online media outlets were consolidated under one umbrella in August this year. With vague messaging and artificial dramatisation, these platforms appeared to solicit money from citizens under the pretext of survival.

The investigation by “Imedi’s Week” examines why online outlets requested financial support from citizens and emigrants despite receiving unprecedented international funding. The joint campaign’s website is called “Light Media”.

The report outlines how these online media outlets are actually financed and whose instructions they follow in Georgia. It also assesses why they launch new campaigns suggesting that media is being persecuted in the country, why they create additional accounts to receive funds from patrons after transparency and grant-related laws entered into force, and how their donors changed following the closure of USAID and NED offices.

“Imedi’s Week” obtained documents exposing a large-scale scheme showing how online media outlets work to sustain artificial protest and influence public opinion through their websites, social networks, and other platforms.

According to the investigation, with the involvement of the “GIPA University”, a network of more than 800 individuals - comprising online media representatives and so-called investigative journalists - was created in Georgia to conduct covert influence campaigns and psychological-informational operations deemed favorable by foreign intelligence services. Their actions reportedly follow plans devised by these agencies.

After the Georgian FARA law operated successfully, groups seeking unrest changed their funding routes and attempted to bypass the law. While in the past the bulk of foreign funds went to NGOs, millions are now directed to universities and online media outlets.

Within less than ten months, ₾17,434,381 was transferred from European and British funds to finance this media network, in addition to undisclosed funding channels.

The investigation states that these organisations function as a network, sharing all key characteristics: common training - including at GIPA - shared funding sources, an 80% overlap in information selection and reporting style, and coordinated operation according to a single plan prepared by external actors.

The report further noted that the network was originally created with USAID funding through IREX and INTERNEWS. After USAID’s withdrawal from Georgia, European foundations became the main donors, including Deutsche Welle Akademie, BBC Media Action, International Media Support, the Prague Civil Society Centre, and EED. Through these foundations, the European Commission and European states such as Germany and the United Kingdom finance propaganda activities in Georgia.

“Imedi’s Week” contacted these organisations requesting information about their Georgian media partners and funded projects but has not received a response.

Documents reviewed by “Imedi’s Week” show that beyond the ₾17,434,381 in reported transfers, there exists an additional shadow-funding scheme involving the financial system “Wise”, which allows cash withdrawal, deposits, and card payments.