GNCC has refused to launch administrative proceedings submitted by non-governmental organizations – “Sapari” NNLE, “Identoba” NNLE, “Media Development Fund” NNLE, “Georgian Democracy Initiative” NNLE, “Tolerance and Diversity Institute” NNLE against “Palitra TV” Ltd.

Above-mentioned non-governmental organizations have addressed the self-regulatory body of “Palitra TV” Ltd in regard to the program that has been aired on February 28, 2016, at 8 pm -“Palavandishviltan- subject “me and society.” In their opinion, the program was of a discriminatory nature and has violated “Code of Conduct for Broadcasters.” Although, “Palitra TV” Ltd has reviewed a complaint of NGO’s within time limit as defined in the “Code of Conduct for Broadcasters,” still, has failed to ensure the participation of appealing organizations during a process of review.

In accordance with the Georgian law “on Broadcasting,” the broadcaster shall create an effective self-regulatory mechanism based on a code of conduct which shall ensure the adjudication of complaints and respond to them in a timely and reasonable manner. NGO’s have considered, that since they haven’t been involved in the first instance of a complaint review by the self-regulatory body of “Palitra TV” Ltd, an effective, transparent and reasonable response has never been ensured and that is to why GNCC has been addressed with a complaint against “Palitra TV” Ltd.

In accordance with the “Code of Conduct for Broadcasters,” broadcaster, within a scope of an effective mechanism shall create a body for the review of complaints, as well as -the appeal body, in order to appeal the decisions made by the self-regulatory body.  

Today, during the session held at GNCC in relation to launch administrative proceedings based on a complaint submitted by NGO’s against “Palitra TV” Ltd, with participation of the parties, discussions have revealed, that only the body of complaint review of “Palitra TV” Ltd has discussed an application submitted by non-governmental organizations - “Sapari” NNLE, “Identoba” NNLE, “Media Development Fund” NNLE, “Georgian Democracy Initiative” NNLE, “Tolerance and Diversity Institute” NNLE. NGO’s have appealed the decision of the body of complaint review of “Palitra TV” at the appeal body of broadcaster and according to “Palitra TV” Ltd, the sessions are to be held in April 25-27 of the current year. With a regard of above-noted, the Commission has considered that it is unable to launch administrative proceedings based on a complaint submitted by NGO’s against “Palitra TV” Ltd, since, the review of the dispute between parties is not complete within a scope of self-regulatory body.