“The Party of Authorities in Georgia initiated the bill to further restrict the media. Source: Radio Liberty Georgian Service, reports “European Truth” Details: The ruling party “Georgian Dream” initiated a project of changes to the law on broadcasting that will relate to TV channels and radio stations.”, – WRITE: www.pravda.com.ua
Source: The Georgian Radio Liberty Service reports, European Truth reports
Details: The ruling party “Georgian Dream” initiated a project of changes to the law on broadcasting, which will relate to TV channels and radio stations.
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According to them, the Communications Commission will be entitled to discuss issues previously part of the media self -regulation.
The commission will also be able to fine television and radio stations for “objectivity and impartial violation”, for non-compliance with a balance during coverage of the topic, for the use of interviews or telephone conversation on air without warning about it, except when the open record was not possible .
The media will also be obliged to receive preliminary permission to shoot from the responsible person or the people who are removed during the shooting in the territory of the police department, hospital, educational institution.
SOVA provides a more detailed list of requirements, including the obligation to clearly indicate the source of information; opportunity for an interested person whose interests have suffered because of incorrect coverage of facts, file a complaint and demand corrections or refutation; The prohibition on the involvement of a politician as a presenter or interviewer, a ban on covering issues with the statement of the media of their support or condemnation of a particular political force, organization, group, etc.
The amount of the fine can be up to 0.5% of the annual income of the broadcaster, but not less than 2500 Georgian lari (about $ 890).
The Georgian Dream is called the proposed changes in the British model that “provides quality and objective broadcasting.”
Until now, TV channels and radio stations were obliged to respond to such comments within the mechanism of self -regulation of the media, but did not have to pay fines.
Recently, in the Georgia Parliament, where there is no opposition, they created an investigative commission on the “crimes” of the authorities of Saakashvili. They also adopted a new package of repressive laws that extend the opportunities for punishment for protests and criticism of power.
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