Radio Station “Hereti” Petitioned to EU Delegation in Georgia and Embassies for Help

Radio-station “Hereti” sent open letter to the EU Delegation in Georgia and embassies of EU States in Georgia and requested their assistance. We publish the full text of Ramaz Samkharadze’s letter, the founder of the Radio Station.

“Radio “Hereti” has been steadily broadcasting throughout Kakheti region over the last 12 years from the Eastern Georgian town of Lagodekhi. For more than three years the Hereti has been requesting in vain broadcasting license in Tbilisi.

“The Georgian National Communications Commission (GNCC) has been postponing new license issuing process for the Hereti reasoning “public survey results” which have not been published since 2004. According to the Law on Broadcasting, such surveys shall be held once in every two years.

As far as we are concerned, such survey has been already conducted. The GNCC’s website (www.gncc.ge) uploaded information on March 4, 2011 saying that such survey was held although results are unknown for the public.

The only thing we know is that the GNCC is drafting priorities for the broadcasters.

Regrettably, the process is absolutely non-transparent. Furthermore, in order to develop strategically regional independent radio station “Hereti” needs a political will and an open market environment which realistically are not available in Georgia.

Radio “Hereti” has an office in Tbilisi. The broadcasting company has all necessary resources both human and technical to start broadcasting in the capital city. However, in spite of our readiness and willingness our wish is ignored. Additionally, the station is encountering financial losses due to such ignorant attitude.

In spite of huge pressure, the Hereti managed to be objective and unbiased, open, transparent and implementer of dramatic values and its work has been appreciated by various international organizations.

Georgia has undertaken commitments with the EU regarding simplifying licensing procedures. Therefore, we would like to ask you to participate in the process in order to ensure just, objective and transparent environment for broadcasters’ licensing.”

Radio “Hereti”