Georgian PM assures external powers cannot impair Georgia’s media freedom

Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze on Monday said that advertising revenue for television channels in Georgia is directly proportional to their viewership ratings, calling this balance the ultimate measure of media freedom.

Speaking during a debate broadcast on Rustavi 2, the head of Government emphasised that the authorities have fully delivered on their commitment to safeguard the media landscape. He asserted that neither the British government nor any other external power could compromise media freedom in Georgia.

Kobakhidze highlighted the operations of domestic networks, noting that television channels like Imedi TV and POSTV operate fully within the framework of the law.

Turning to the commercial side of broadcasting, the Prime Minister maintained that the distribution of advertising revenue remains strictly fair and transparent based on market performance.

The Prime Minister emphasised that every television station receives advertising income that aligns exactly with its respective ratings, stating that he could fully guarantee this fact. He concluded by asserting that in any country, the primary measure of media freedom is whether a television channel’s advertising revenue matches its viewership ratings, and that this standard is fully met in Georgia.