The Media Advocacy Coalition shares argumentation on alienation of the TV Channel 9 and INFO 9. Furthermore, we as an organization protecting media rights are concerned about the perspective of selling the company in force-majeure since we see the risk to transfer the TV Company in the hands of a politically biased person or a group and to become the propaganda tool. Such decision will affect directly media pluralism as well as media market.
Transfer of the channel to any private person, even at a low price, will also have negative effect on the media market. However, complete termination of any media organization is also alarming, since rapid appearance of the TV channel, as well as its sudden extinction causes unfavorable transformations.
We understand the anxiety about the fate of individuals who were employed in the Channel 9 and INFO 9. We think especially important their assistance in maintaining work in media sphere.
Media Advocacy Coalition hopes that decision in terms of the Channel 9 and INFO 9 will be used for realization of the declared intent – to strengthen civil society.
We think that it is also possible to postpone alienation of the Channel 9, that was carrying out pilot broadcasting so far and the programs are already terminated. The legislation allows suspending of broadcasting maximum for three months period in case of advance notification of the Georgian National Communications Commission. This will remove the electoral inequality that is mentioned in the statement, whereas after the elections, it will be possible to alienate the channel peacefully and openly.
We hope that the final decision related to the Channel 9 and INFO 9 will enable setting up of a media organization free from political influence and promoting further development of media environment.
