GNCC, based on a complaint submitted by NNLE ”Media Development Fund” has issued a written warning on “Palitra TV” Ltd for the violation of procedural norms established for functioning of effective self-regulatory mechanism defined by the “Code of Conduct for Broadcasters.”  

On March 9,2016, NGO’s - ”Media Development Fund”(MDF); Union :Sapari,” “Identity,” "Tolerance and Diversity Institute"(TDI) and “Georgian Democratic Initiative" (GDI)  have addressed self-regulatory body of “Palitra News” with a complaint and have requested to examine the violation of code of conduct for broadcasters and journalistic ethics of the program “Palavandishviltan” placed through the broadcasting net of “Palitra News.”

In accordance with the decision of March 25, 2016, of the self-regulatory complaints commission of TV Company “Palitra News” NGO’s claim was denied and party of dispute was not invited during the review of an actual issue. On April 7, 2016, NGO’s have then appealed to an appellate body of “Palitra News.”

On June 22, NNLE ”Media Development Fund” has addressed GNCC with a complaint and has demanded from the Commission to react based on a violation of sub-paragraph 6 of Article 10 of the  “Code of Conduct for Broadcasters” according to which – “the appeal body shall arrive at a decision within 30 days. Where it needs more than 30 days to take a decision, the appeal body shall justify the extension of the appeal handling term and notify all the concerned parties about such an extension.”    Although “Palitra News” has requested an extension for the purpose to review a complaint, still, the TV Company has made a request with a letter submitted on July 25, two months after an appeal was submitted.

On September 1, the decision of of the self-regulatory complaints commission of TV Company “Palitra News” became known. The appeal claim has been satisfied. An appellate body has considered, that in a talk-show “Palavandishviltan” aired on February 8, 2016, the subject “me and society” the violation of the principle of impartiality has taken place defined in accordance with the Article 32 of the “Code of Conduct for Broadcasters” Also Paragraphs 17 (1,2) and 33, since the wide spectrum of participants have not been presented in the program and hate speech and discrimination have taken place as well.

GNCC, after reviewing an actual issue with the participation of parties in dispute has considered, that “Palitra TV” Ltd has violated procedural norms defined in the “Code of Conduct for Broadcasters” in particular, TV Company, based on the “Code of Conduct for Broadcasters”  has an obligation to create  an effective self-regulation mechanism in order to provide transparent and effective complaints handling procedure and ensure timely and substantiated respond to them.