The Parliament’s Sectoral Economy and Economic Policy Committee has considered and supported, in the third reading, amendments planned to the Law on Broadcasting, which, as a result of the enactment, will introduce a number of new regulations and standards regarding TV and radio broadcasters.

The Parliament is expected to approve the draft law in its final reading during this week’s plenary session.

The draft law prepared by the Georgian Dream regulates issues related to due accuracy of facts and the right to reply, as well as fairness and impartiality, inviolability of private life, obtaining and transmitting information by a broadcaster using covert methods, coverage of armed conflict, accidents and other emergency situations, as well as the protection of minors.

With the amendments submitted to the Parliament, along with self-regulation mechanisms, the state body – the National Communications Commission – will have the authority to respond to violations of broadcasting standards. In case of alleged violation of the law, the interested person will be given the opportunity to file a complaint directly with the Communications Commission. In case of violation, the Commission will be authorized to apply the following sanctions to the broadcaster - warning, fine, and in certain cases - suspension and revocation of the license.

The rules and regulations established by the law will also apply to information published on the online and social pages of broadcasters.

In addition, a transitional norm is added to the Law on Broadcasting, according to which, in case of violation of the requirements stipulated by the law by the broadcaster before June 1, 2025, the sanctions imposed by the Regulatory Commission will not be enforced.