Organization “Journalists for Freedom of Speech” Protest to be held in front of Office of National Communication Commission

On Friday, July 11, in front of the National Commission of Communications, the organization “Journalists for Freedom of Speech” will protest the refusal of the National Communication Commission over the granting of license to the cable TV Station “Maestro” - the demonstration will commence at 12:00 PM.

The decision on organizing the demonstration was made on July 8 at the Public Defender’s office. The membership of the journalistic union presented their organization on that day; the Union currently consists of 35 members.

On July 4 the National Commission of Communications did not satisfy the request of the “Maestro” and did not grant a new license. Possession of the new license would have enabled the TV station to prepare social-political programs as well. The National Commission made decision based on the fact that “Maestro” had been previously warned by the commission. According to the Law on Broadcasting if the TV Station has been warned and it shall not be granted with new license within the next one year. “Maestro” was warned in autumn of 2007 because of issuing three new political projects.

The Commission considers that since the Maestro possesses the license only on entertainment and musical programs, which covers broadcasts in Tbilisi, Rustavi, Telavi and Gori.  The TV station did not have right to have talk-shows like “Profession of Journalist” where politicians were able to participate. Another program was “Without Comments” which released news items and “Polls” where people called and expressed their opinions.

After the National Commission refused the TV Station to show similar programs, they started to broadcast talk shows and these were accompanied by classical music and later the context of the programs were published in newspapers “Resonance” and “Alia”.
“Maestro” appealed against the refusal of the commission at the Tbilisi City Court. The process is scheduled on July 14 at 10:00 AM.

Source: Media.ge