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As a result of harsh criticism from the civil society organizations and independent broadcasters, the authors of a draft law on broadcasting agreed to amend those provisions within the document which were subjected to severe criticism recently. A new version of the draft law to be elaborated within a week should take into account all the remarks of the non-governmental organizations.
The draft law was heard at the Parliamentary Committee for Legal Issues on September 23. The authors of the law (MP Giga Bokeria and the representatives of the Liberty Institute), as well as independent broadcasters and representatives of NGOs participating in the hearing.
As a result of remarks and comments from the third sector, several provisions of the draft law were amended, particular those on licensing and on the status of the TV broadcasting tower.
One of the controversial provisions was concerning the opening of the new tenders to purchase TV frequencies after the expiration of a 10-year term of license by the TV company.
As experts claim, this provision might become a lever for putting pressure on independent media. “Revision of license conditions after each 10 years will trigger restriction of independent broadcasting,” Ani Dolidze of the Georgian Young Lawyers Association says.