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ComCom Chairman Discusses the Current Challenges in the Media Environment in the Parliament
Chairman of the Communications Commission Goga Gulordava discussed the current challenges in the media environment, media content standards, and issues related to commercial communications while presenting the Commission’s report to the Parliament of Georgia.
Goga Gulordava stated that media pluralism and freedom of expression are guaranteed by the state and, according to him, this is also demonstrated by the diversity of the media landscape and the number of broadcasters. He noted that in recent years the media has faced challenges such as the dissemination of disinformation and unverified information, biased or politically contextualised coverage of political and social events, the conflation of facts and opinions, polarisation, aggression, and hate speech. According to the ComCom Chairman, the media is also involved in the process of deepening polarisation, when it should provide society with impartial, balanced, and fact-based information. He also noted that instances of polarisation, aggression and hate speech can be observed on social media.
“Following the amendments to the Law of Georgia on Broadcasting introduced on April 1, 2025, ComCom studied international practices and relevant decisions and developed guidelines on the content requirements for broadcasters to ensure enforcement of the law. The purpose of the guidelines is to provide broadcasters with advance information about the Commission’s views and approaches, enabling them to conduct their activities in compliance with the legislative requirements. In 2025, ComCom reviewed seven complaints under the law, including complaints against TV Imedi, TV Pirveli, Formula, Mtavari Arkhi and Obieqtivi. Four complaints were upheld. The respective broadcasters were found in violation and exempted from liability,” Mr. Gulordava said.
According to Goga Gulordava, protecting the interests of viewers and the public, and establishing high media standards are among the Commission’s priorities. He stated that ComCom continues its work to enforce the requirements of the Law of Georgia on Broadcasting and the Code of Conduct for Broadcasters. He also emphasised the broadcasters’ professional responsibility and the importance of upholding fundamental principles of journalism.
A separate section of the report addressed commercial communications and compliance with product placement rules. Goga Gulordava noted that in recent years, instances of broadcasters violating the legislation on commercial communications have increased, and in 2025 ComCom actively monitored this area, taking appropriate measures in response. According to his assessment, violations of sponsorship and product placement rules make it more difficult to distinguish advertising from programme content. Therefore, ComCom’s objective is, on the one hand, to protect viewers from covert and misleading commercial communications and, on the other hand, to protect broadcasters from commercial influence.
According to the report, monitoring carried out in 2025 identified 15 violations of product placement rules. In seven cases, broadcasters were fined a total of GEL 47,500, while in eight cases, broadcasters received written warnings.
