The Media Advocacy Coalition strongly condemns the temporary suspension of Vasil Ivanov-Chikovani from hosting news broadcasts by the leadership of the Public Broadcaster. This decision silences an objective journalist committed to the country’s European aspirations.
On February 4, Ivanov-Chikovani announced on social media that he would no longer present the 18:00 Moambe news program. He stated that the First Channel attributed this decision to the producers’ refusal to work with him, noting that “until the normalization of the current complicated situation, he would not have the role of Moambe host.”
The ongoing circumstances at the Public Broadcaster suggest a failure to fulfill its legislative obligations, as demonstrated by inadequate coverage of national issues, bias toward the “Georgian Dream,” and neglect of the country’s Euro-integration efforts. Accountability rests with Board of Trustees Chairman Vasil Maghlaperidze and Director Tinatin Berdzenishvili, who are reportedly seeking to silence independent voices while advancing propaganda that favors Bidzina Ivanishvili and the “Georgian Dream.” Recent reports have revealed multiple instances of censorship and management interference in editorial policies.
The Media Advocacy Coalition stands in solidarity with Vasil Ivanov-Chikovani and all his colleagues who promote editorial independence and responsible journalism. We call on international organizations, including the European Broadcasting Union (EBU), to investigate and respond to documented cases of censorship and propaganda occurring at the Georgian Public Broadcaster, particularly concerning the actions of Vasil Maghlaperidze and Tinatin Berdzenishvili. Georgian society has placed significant expectations on the EBU to address the legal violations and censorship perpetrated by the Public Broadcaster’s leadership.
