Bidzina Ivanishvili’s spokesperson Maya Panjikidze accused Georgian National Communications Commission (GNCC) of delaying the issuance of broadcasting frequencies to the TV Company Channel 9.
The auction to obtain the license for radio frequency spectrum was to be held on February 24, 2012. But due to the lack of quorum at the Commission sitting the auction with the participation of Igrika LLC (Channel 9) was cancelled.
The auction winner will receive the following frequencies: studio (47, Al. Kazbegi Ave, Tbilisi), Mtatsminda TV tower, Mtatsminda TV tower – Tabakhmela (station Global Contact Consulting LLC), mobile station - Mtatsminda TV tower, Mtatsminda TV tower - studio (47, Al. Kazbegi Ave, Tbilisi).
„The Commission members including Akaki Sikharulidze and Karlo Kvitaishvili did not show up at the sitting. They receive very high salaries and they shall at least attend the session. The Commission is intentionally delaying the issue. They are against opening of the independent TV Company,” Maya Panjikidze told Media.ge.
According to the Commission spokesperson Khatia Kurashvili, Karlo Kvitashvili is away on holiday till March 3; the Commission Chair Irakli Chikovani is on business trip in Spain, Commission member Akaki Sikharulidze fell ill in on February 24, so he was unable to attend the sitting. So, only two members Sopho Britanchuk and Irakli Moseshvili were present in office by that time.
„As soon as we have quorum or at least three members are present in office the sitting will be scheduled and the agenda will be announced three days earlier. On February 24, along with channel 9, many more issues were planned to discuss,” said Khatia Kurashvili.
Igrika LLC (Channel 9) belongs to Accept LLC owned by Bidzina Ivanishvili’s spouse Ekaterina Khvedelidze.
Nata Dzvelishvili, Media.ge
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