The media literacy competition “Truth or Fiction?” has been prolonged by a week. Pupils wishing to submit their works can do so until and including 21 June. The Communications Commission decided to extend the deadline due to the high participation and interest levels. More than 160 submissions have been made by 14 June, which is a record number. Pupils continued to express their interest in taking part in the competition after the initial deadline, which prompted the Commission to...

The Communications Commission has published its activity report for 2019, which includes the projects implemented by COMCOM last year, as well as the challenges and plans for 2020. 2019 was a special year for media and broadcasting, as well as the telecommunications sector. There are currently more than 100 broadcasters, while the number of subscribers on the fixed internet market is dynamically growing. According to the 2019 figures, fixed internet penetration reached 80.8%, compared to only...

The Georgian National Communications Commission has issued a written warning to Mtavari Arkhi for broadcasting a programme in foreign language. The case concerns an interview in Russian language which was included in the show “Main Accents” without the mandatory subtitles. According to GNCC’s resolution and the Law of Georgia on Broadcasting, authorised broadcasters may show programmes in foreign language if their length does not exceed 10% of the total daily broadcasting...

How do we combat the spread of fake news? To develop media literacy, the Georgian National Communications Commission is conducting online lessons for 200 pupils in 10 state schools as part of the “Truth or Fiction?” competition. Members of the Commission’s Media Literacy department are helping youngsters develop the necessary skills in identifying fake information and distinguishing it from real facts. The training programme is using educational materials from BBC...

The Georgian National Communications Commission will rule on placing administrative penalty on Caucasus Online on 25 June. The case concerns the unlawful sale of company shares without GNCC’s approval. Caucasus Online is still refusing to comply with its duties under law.  The Commission first ruled the sale of company shares without GNCC’s prior approval as unlawful on 17 October 2019 and instructed Caucasus Online to reverse the transaction. As the company failed to comply...

On 17 May, Formula TV (more specifically, the programme Droeba) deceived its viewers by broadcasting false information about the availability of internet. According to the programme host and the journalist reporting on the issue, 30% of the Georgian population has no internet access. The report also claimed that there is no internet infrastructure in the villages of Iliatsminda, Gudaleti and Bodbiskhevi. Both of these claims are false, since 82% of Georgians have access to internet, and there...

The Georgian National Communications Commission and the Media Academy will hold the third edition of the “Truth or Fiction?” competition that is designed to develop critical thinking, analysis and fact-checking skills among youngsters. Applications are open to all 9th, 10th and 11th grade pupils between 14 May and 14 June. At the same time, GNCC’s Media Literacy department will conduct online trainings in up to 10 schools to teach the pupils how to verify facts and identify...

Revenues from television advertising were growing prior to the COVID-19 outbreak. During the first quarter of 2020, in spite of the 4% decrease in March, revenues from television adverts grew by 7% and amounted to  GEL 13,659,925, which includes commercials, sponsorship, product placements, announcements and teleshopping. During the first quarter of 2020, the highest growth rate with regards to advertising revenues was posted by the television and radio company Trialeti (317%), followed by...

The Georgian National Communications Commission has published draft amendments to regulations on provision of electronic communication services and protecting consumer rights. The regulations in question determine the rules and terms for provision of electronic communication services and define the rights and obligations of service suppliers and consumers. The changes are designed to bring the Georgian regulatory framework in line with the EU legislation (specifically, the Universal Service...

In December 2019, the Georgian National Communications Commission devised and published the “Strategy for Development of 5G Network and Services.” GNCC emphasizes that broadband services and 5G technology will play an important role in future development of our country and our society. Launching the 5G network and services in a timely manner and with an appropriate operating model will benefit Georgia strategically and economically, and therefore represents a big challenge. It will...