The Coalition’s statement on events around “TV Pirveli” and “Artarea”

Media Advocacy Coalition responds to one part of the letter published by the Prosecutor’s Office of Georgia on March 6, 2019, which concerns three requirements that should be fulfilled without any prerequisite. Two of them concern the change of editorial policy of the media outlets: “TV Pirveli” and”Artarea”. The Coalition believes that in case of confirmation of authenticity of the letter, it represents interference in media activities and attempt to infringe editorial independence. This case deserves particular attention also because the addressee of this letter names the Vice Prime Minister and the Minister of Internal Affairs of the country as the author.

This is not a first time when the name of “TV Pirveli” appears in cases related to different types of deals, where the desire of changing the editorial policy of the TV channel is shown. Studies confirm that this TV Channel impartially covers current events. It is important, that this broadcaster as well as all other media outlets know, that their editorial independence is protected by law. Journalists should believe, that they can perform professional activities freely, that they will not become a tool in favor of the interests of different persons. To do this, it is necessary to investigate each such case transparently.

We, the member organizations of the Media Advocacy Coalition, will carefully observe further developments of the events around TV companies-“TV Pirveli” and “Artarea”.  In addition, we call upon the Prosecutor’s Office of Georgia to investigate possible facts of pressure on media outlets with particular attention and to conduct investigation in the shortest possible time, effectively in such a way, that all the questions in society are exhaustively answered.

Georgian Young Lawyers’ Association

Media Club

The Georgian Charter of Journalistic Ethics

Institute for Development of Freedom of Information

“Open Society-Georgia” Foundation

Alliance of Broadcasters-Georgia

Liberal Academy Tbilisi

Georgian Regional Media Association

TV Network

Small and Medium Telecom Operators’ Association of Georgia

Georgian Democracy Initiative