Irakli Kobakhidze: In a news broadcast, for example, under the new law, even the term “radical opposition” should not be used - Our appeal was about what concerns us; there are other parties, and they can also make appeals

What does censorship have to do with it?! Upholding standards of objectivity in news broadcasts can in no way be considered censorship — the law applies equally to all media outlets!

If a news broadcast uses terms such as “radical opposition,” for example, according to the new law, even that term should not be used. However, our appeal was about what concerns us,” — this was stated by Prime Minister and Chairman of the party “Georgian Dream,” Irakli Kobakhidze, regarding complaints filed at the Communications Commission against critical media organizations.

Kobakhidze added that there are other parties who can also address the commission.

As Kobakhidze noted, media standards have been established for many years, but until now, there were no mechanisms in legislation to enforce them.

“The requirement that a news broadcast must be objective and neutral is an international media standard — what does censorship have to do with it?!

This standard has been in effect in Georgia for a very long time, but enforcement mechanisms were not provided. The parliament wrote the enforcement mechanisms. Appeals to the relevant organization will be made based on this.

What does censorship have to do with it?! Upholding objectivity standards can never be considered censorship — quite the opposite! For the correct media culture to be established, objectivity standards must be upheld. Ensuring culture is not censorship! It may seem like censorship to you, but here we are talking about establishing culture in society in the proper direction and forming the right culture in Georgian media.

The law applies equally to all media outlets — it does not matter which television station uses which terms. If certain terms are used in one direction, terms are used from the other side as well. If a news broadcast uses a term such as “radical opposition,” according to the new law, even that term should not be used. Our appeal was about what concerns us. When a party makes an appeal, of course, subjective interests drive it. There are other parties and they can also appeal.

This will certainly help in establishing culture, instead of specific opposition parties talking about censorship, which is false; they should also contribute to using the appropriate culture — if they believe that certain television stations violate objectivity standards with their statements, they should also appeal to the relevant commission,” said Irakli Kobakhidze.

When asked whether “Georgian Dream” will appear on critical media outlets, Kobakhidze said it is their choice where to appear and where not.

“When it comes to visits, if there is an invitation, in that case the TV station will not disrupt balance on its part. It’s a simple matter,” added Irakli Kobakhidze.

“Georgian Dream” filed complaints against “TV Pirveli,” “Formula,” and the internet portal of “Mtavari” with the Communications Commission. “Georgian Dream” accuses these media outlets of violating norms of the Law on Broadcasting. According to the TV companies, the ruling party objects to terms such as “illegitimate parliament,” “so-called chairman of parliament,” “oligarch’s deputy,” and “regime’s city court.” “Georgian Dream” is suing “Formula” over calling Bidzina Ivanishvili an “oligarch.”