The Communications Commission has published the media monitoring report for the  Georgian municipal elections 2021, covering the period between 3 August and 2 September 2021. Qualitative monitoring of the following national broadcasters was carried out during the reporting period: Georgian Public Broadcaster, Adjara TV of the Georgian Public Broadcaster, Imedi TV, Rustavi 2, Mtavari TVand TV Pirveli. Monitoring was carried out daily, during the prime-time period between 19:00 and 00:00. In case of political shows, monitoring was carried out throughout the day. Quantitative monitoring applied to approximately 50 broadcasters. The six broadcasters that were subject to qualitative monitoring were assessed by the following broadcasting standards: balance, accuracy, relevance, omission of important information, hate speech, disinformation, discrimination and manipulation of visual/audio materials.

Media monitoring revealed that within the pluralistic and diverse pre-election media environment, some sections of the media are polarised, while others are spreading disinformation and attempting to manipulate and deceive their audience.

More specifically, the results of media monitoring of the 6 national broadcasters are as follows:

The news programme “Moambe” of the Georgian Public Broadcaster covered the activities of all main electoral subjects, maintaining the standards of ethical journalism (impartiality, balance, and neutral tone). The broadcaster covered the activities of both qualified and unqualified electoral subjects. There were no attempts to manipulate visual and audio materials. The time allotted to the monitoring subjects in news programmes was as follows: Government of Georgia – 23.7% (positive – 11%, negative – 2%), Georgian Dream – 21.9% (positive – 25%, negative – 12%), United National Movement – 9.3% (positive – 5%, negative – 5%), Third Force – 7.5% (positive – 33%, negative – 5%), Lelo – 7% (positive – 27%, negative – 1%), Gakharia for Georgia – 6.6% (positive – 10%, negative – 12%), all other subjects – less than 5%. 

Coverage of the election campaign on Adjara TV proceeded in accordance with the legislative norms and journalistic standards. It was impartial, calm and free of discrimination. Presenters and journalists maintained an objective approach towards all electoral candidates and representatives of all political parties. The broadcaster covered the activities of both qualified and unqualified electoral subjects. The time allotted to the monitoring subjects in news programmes was as follows: Georgian Dream – 40.5% (positive – 60%, negative – 24%), United National Movement – 22.7% (positive – 71%, negative – 5%), Gakharia for Georgia – 5.8% (positive – 60%, negative – 11%), Government of Georgia – 5.6% (positive – 31%, negative – 15%), all other subjects – less than 5%.

Imedi TV displayed a positive attitude towards the ruling Georgian Dream party and the Government of Georgia, and a negative attitude towards the opposition, and the United National Movement in particular. News reports tended to present the views of several representatives of the ruling party on specific issues, while opposition party members were given little or no representation. The reports were saturated with criticism of the opposition parties. Criticism came from reporters, interviewees and presenters alike. The presentation of Georgian Dream candidates in Tbilisi and regions received widespread news and live coverage. Briefings and statements from Georgian Dream members also received live coverage, while the election activities of opposition parties were afforded almost no live coverage. The time allotted to the monitoring subjects in news programmes was as follows: Georgian Dream – 48.2% (positive – 71%, negative – 3%), Government of Georgia – 20.1% (positive – 31%, negative – 1%), United National Movement – 11.3% (positive – 2%, negative – 64%), all other subjects – less than 10%.

The election campaign coverage on Rustavi 2 was largely in line with ethical norms. Journalists avoided using discriminatory language and insults, while sharply biased tone was primarily used by the politicians themselves. The broadcaster covered the meetings and presentation activities of all qualified subjects. Pre-election activities of the Georgian Dream party received the most coverage. It was noted that Georgian Dream representatives were often afforded the first and the final word during the coverage. Furthermore, the broadcaster tended to cover the activities of Georgian Dream candidates and government activities together in the same reports, making it difficult for viewers to separate the two. The time allotted to the monitoring subjects in news programmes was as follows: Georgian Dream – 38.4% (positive – 51%, negative – 6%), Government of Georgia – 21.6% (positive – 39%, negative – 2%), United National Movement – 11% (positive – 16%, negative – 34%), all other subjects – less than 10%.

The editorial policy of TV Pirveli was characterised by harsh criticism of the government and clear loyalty towards the opposition. There was very little coverage of pre-election activities. Reporters openly demonstrated a negative and ironic attitude towards Georgian Dream. The broadcaster disseminated fake newsthat were based solely on assumptions. Journalists attempted to present information obtained from unclear sources as irrefutable facts, which may have deceived viewers. The political shows were biased and unbalanced. Only the opposition parties were afforded airtime. Presenters were openly hostile towards the government. Their texts were saturated with negative tone and irony. They openly threatened to “end” the government, sided with opposition candidates and wished them success live on air. The time allotted to the monitoring subjects in news programmes was as follows: Georgian Dream – 28.8% (positive – 2%, negative – 64%), Government of Georgia – 18.8% (positive – 3%, negative – 47%), United National Movement – 10.6% (positive – 2%, negative – 16%), all other subjects – less than 10%. 

Mtavari TV displayed a highly partisan and positive attitude towards the opposition, and United National Movement in particular. Conversely, the broadcaster’s attitude towards the government and the Georgian Dream party was negative. Coverage of pre-election activities of the Georgian Dream candidates was critical, while certain events were not mentioned at all. Presenters displayed an ironic attitude towards the government and Georgian Dream. Live coverage was afforded to opposition parties, especially United National Movement, Elene Khoshtaria – Droa, European Georgia, Girchi – More Freedom and Lelo.

On many occasions, opposition figures expressed accusations against the governing party without the latter having the opportunity to respond. There were also cases of fake news, baseless accusations and unsubstantiated information being broadcasted.

Presenters of political shows openly confronted and insulted the governing party while expressing their support for the opposition. The time allotted to the monitoring subjects in news programmes was as follows: United National Movement – 27.6% (positive – 26%, negative – 3%), Georgian Dream – 20.2% (positive – 0%, negative – 79%), Government of Georgia – 19.8% (positive – 0%, negative – 64%), all other subjects – less than 10%.

The monitors of Communications Commission were trained by the Council of Europe media expert and Executive Director of the media monitoring organization Memo 98, Rasto Kuzel.