According to Vasil Ivanov-Chikovani, the anchor of Moambe, one reason the public's voice has not been widely represented on the public broadcaster is the role of Vasil Maglaperidze, the chairman of the board of trustees. The journalist made this statement during a special broadcast.
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“A wonderful broadcast was aired today, during which the voice of a broad spectrum of society was heard on the public broadcaster. This is the type of content that should regularly feature on a public broadcaster. While extraordinary, this broadcast once again highlights that the editorial policy of the news and current affairs department at the Public Broadcaster fails to meet the public’s demands.
There are many reasons why the current editorial policies of the news and current affairs division do not align with the needs of society.
One such reason is that society itself allowed this situation to arise. Specifically, after resigning from his position in the Georgian Dream party due to health issues, its deputy chairman was subsequently elected, entirely legally and following the law, by the Parliament of Georgia as chairman of the board of trustees of the Public Broadcaster. This individual is Vasil Maglaperidze.
The lack of a strong public voice on the public broadcaster is partly due to the public’s own indifference toward it. As soon as society loosens its focus on the Pirveli Arkhi, it inevitably becomes a tool for government interests. Whether through direct force or other means, the government will always find ways to assert its influence over the public broadcaster. This has always been the case and, unfortunately, will likely continue, unless the public remains vigilant,” in addressing the audience, Vasil Ivanov-Chikovani stated.
When asked by the channel’s general director, Tinatin Berdzenishvili, whether he had a problem, the journalist replied, "With what is being broadcast - yes."
On November 30, a rally was held near the Public Broadcaster's building. Participants criticized the channel's editorial policies, protested against the spread of propaganda, and condemned the lack of objective coverage of current events in the country. They demanded the resignation of the channel's general director, Tinatin Berdzenishvili, and the chairman of the board of trustees, Vasil Maglaferidze.
As a result of the rally, participants in the pro-European protest were granted a live broadcast slot, which began at 8:00 PM and was hosted by Tinatin Berdzenishvili.
"You should resign, and before you do, you must promise us, right now, live on air, that Georgian society will have the opportunity to come here every day and be broadcast daily," writer Lasha Bugadze said, addressing Berdzenishvili.
According to Bugadze, the protest will occur at the public broadcaster daily.
