Director General of Georgian Public Broadcaster (GPB), Tinatin Berdzenishvili addressed the Thursday meeting of the GPB Board of Trustees, asserting that “The current GPB management, which is now somewhat under pressure has not taken a single bonus payment or privilege over four years, but in return, we built a building of a century, a free space, and established high standards.”

During the meeting to discuss the broadcaster’s budget for the following year, Berdzenishvili examined the salary policy, which, according to her, “has been the same over the past four years and will remain so in the coming years, within the two-year mandate.”

“Speaking of statistics, we have offered salary raises to 932 people over the past four years. This year’s budget includes salary increases for 400 employees across 50 professions, as well as the announcement of 14 new job openings,” she noted.

Berdzenishvili addressed the Board, requesting that the issue of raising her salary be dropped and that the terms of her present contract be kept in effect until it expires.

“The Director General should have a stable remuneration to avoid the temptation of involving other interests while managing a quite high budget. I absolutely agree with your decision, but please allow me to remain within the 2020-2026 contract terms, and keep all my promises unchanged. This is my right, and I ask you to leave me this right, though from 2026, of course, I back any changes,” she stated.

The GPB Director General stated that “the budget is transparent and responds to all challenges.”

“The Public Broadcaster’s budget is transparent, adheres to all legislative norms, and covers all challenges we have not only this year but until 2026, as my mandate is linked to this date. It also includes the move to a new building, new programs, and salary rise per outlined criteria,” she added.