Rustavi 2 Licensed to Broadcast on Favorable TV Frequency

The National Regulatory Commission for Communications announced today that the Rustavi 2 television received license to use the 9th channel – TV broadcasting frequency, which covers almost entire territory of Georgia and is highly desirable for the competing private TV companies.

Technomedia company, reportedly owned by Tbilisi-based influential media tycoon Badri Patarkatsishvili was also contesting for the license; however representatives of the Technomedia made last minute decision and withdrew their proposal.

Last October consideration of the issue led to resignation of Chairman of the National Regulatory Commission for Communications Vakhtang Abashidze, who explained decision with “mounting political pressure” from the previous authorities on the commission. Rustavi 2 was known for its critical coverage of the previous government’s activity.