Kakha Bekauri: “It Now Takes 10 Days to Begin Broadcasting, and There Are More than 100 TV Channels in the Country”

Chairman of the Communications Commission, Kakha Bekauri, summarised the reforms implemented in the broadcasting sector over the past 10 years on the Teleimedi programme “Imedi Live,” noting that the liberal media policy pursued by Georgia has ensured freedom of expression, media pluralism, and a fundamentally different environment for the development of broadcasting. In response to the host’s question about what has changed in the field of broadcasting in recent years, Mr. Bekauri stated that one of the most important steps was the transition to digital broadcasting, which made it possible for new players to enter the market and for a competitive environment to be established.

According to him, prior to 2012 it was practically impossible to start broadcasting in the country; a restrictive environment existed and only four national broadcasters were operating. “Today, there are already 21 national broadcasters in the country, and in total more than 100 TV channels are broadcasting,” Mr. Bekauri noted.

The ComCom Chairman also emphasised that after the abolition of the licensing regime, starting a broadcasting activity became possible through a simple and fast authorisation procedure. According to him, today anyone can begin broadcasting within just 10 days under one of the most liberal systems in Europe.

Kakha Bekauri noted that it is precisely as a result of this policy that freedom of expression and media pluralism are protected in the country; however, significant challenges still remain. According to him, disinformation, fake news, and the mixing of facts with opinions continue to be problematic in the broadcasting sector, having a significant impact on audiences and hindering their ability to make informed choices.

According to the ComCom Chairman, amendments to the Law on Broadcasting were introduced specifically in response to these challenges, regulating the issues related to the institutional setup of broadcasting self-regulatory bodies. He also noted that important matters such as incitement to terrorism and hate speech have been brought under the regulation of the Communications Commission.

Kakha Bekauri further stated that, as a result of amendments that entered into force in April 2025, regulation was also extended to cover due accuracy of facts and the right of reply, as well as issues of fairness and impartiality, protection of privacy, and coverage of emergency situations.