The Communications Commission has determined radio broadcasting priorities based on the results of the public survey conducted in 14 broadcasting regions across the country, including Tbilisi, Kakheti, Mtskheta-Mtianeti, Stepantsminda, Shida Kartli, Kvemo Kartli, Samtskhe-Javakheti, Imereti, Samegrelo, Svaneti, Guria and Adjara.  The Commission will use the priorities to hold competition for radio broadcasting licenses. 

Competitions for private, general and specialised radio broadcasting licenses will be held separately in accordance with the priorities. 

The public survey conducted by the Communications Commission revealed that most radio listeners (55%) have a preference for specialised stations, while 25% prefer general radio broadcasters. Demand for general radio stations exists all across the country. 

The survey focused on public perceptions and demand for specialised and general private broadcasting, as well as demand for regional (local) radio stations that focus on coverage of local affairs. 

The respondents believe that the Georgian radio space is dominated by entertainment (music) and politics, although various other subjects are also covered. Based on the survey, the level of national radio coverage is being perceived positively by listeners, although there are coverage problems over long distances and in mountainous areas. The level of local radio coverage is also quite low. According to the survey, the main demands from listeners are associated with the content and format of the programmes, the technical aspects of radio accessibility and promotion of radio broadcasting. 

One of the most important issues addressed in the survey is the ideal radio station. According to the majority of respondents, the ideal radio station offers a variety of subjects, musical genres and analytical programmes, and is less political. It offers listeners interactive programmes and is staffed with energetic presenters, while its broadcast schedule follows work schedule of the population. Furthermore, the ideal radio station is easy to access through any radio device, including mobile and car devices. It has its own app and website that allows users to listen to the station, rewind and search for programmes. 

Click here to view the radio broadcasting priority survey.