NGOs and media outlets commented on a statement made by David Bakradze, the chairman of Georgian Parliament, at a news conference held in the Open Society Georgia Foundation (OSGF) today. On June 22, the chairman of Parliament said that Parliament was working on the proposals, according to which, ‘all television channels will be carried by all cable networks in the election period’.
Please see the text of the statement without any alterations:
This Affects You Too campaign group welcomes the statement made by the chairman of Parliament of Georgia through Imedi TV newscast Qronika on June 22 at 2. p.m. that all cable companies would be transmitted through all cable companies during the election campaign.
David Bakradze said that Parliament was working on the proposals, according to which ‘all television channels will be carried by all cable networks during the election period’.
The chairman of Parliament also commented in his statement on a legislative initiative prepared as part of This Affects You Too campaign, the so-called ‘must carry’ and ‘must offer’ principles. The majority of NGOs and media outlets think that this initiative will give an opportunity to the public to get access to diverse information and make an informed choice.
In our opinion, the implementation of the initiative put forward by the Parliament chairman will contribute to the formation of a level playing field and robust political competition ahead of elections.
We hope that initiative made by the Parliament chairman will be adequately reflected in Parliament initiated bills.
Related media:
Campaign Group Hails Plans to Introduce ‘Must-Carry’– Civil.ge, June 23, 2012
Authorities Agree to Pass ‘Must-Carry’ Rules– Civil.ge, June 22, 2012
Georgian government gives in to democracy campaign’s demand- DF Watch.net, June 22, 2012
Saakashvili government will allow media diversity, temporarily-DF Watch.net, June 22, 2012