Georgia moves to curb foreign influence on media with new funding restrictions

The Georgian parliament is set to introduce a legislative measure that would prohibit media outlets from receiving foreign funding, directly or indirectly.

The amendments to the existing law "On Broadcasting" are being proposed by the ruling Georgian Dream faction, Caliber.Az reports citing Georgian media.

Under the proposed amendments, broadcasters would be barred from accepting financial assistance or any material benefits from foreign entities. The bill aims to prevent foreign governments, entities, or individuals from financing, co-financing, or purchasing broadcasting services for program production or air time.

Additionally, the draft law prohibits broadcasters from accepting direct or indirect advertising in exchange for airing social advertising. It also specifies that foreign entities include foreign governments, foreign nationals, legal entities based abroad, as well as international organizations and associations operating outside Georgia.

The lawmakers argue that since broadcasters have a significant influence on public opinion and are regarded as highly trustworthy sources of information, it is necessary to impose strict legal constraints on foreign financial involvement in Georgia's media landscape.

The bill will undergo further parliamentary scrutiny before becoming law. Once it passes through three readings in the parliament, is signed by the president, and published in the Legislative Herald of Georgia, it will come into effect.

By Vafa Guliyeva