“The goals and values of the Georgian Public Broadcaster (GPB) are defined by the law and are public. The GPB is a European institution. It is obliged to be the cornerstone in building a democratic society, contributing to public opinions’ bringing closer and strengthening Georgian society and culture. GPB First Channel’s journalists work hard to provide the audience with verified, balanced, and unbiased information.

In the latest challenging days, the GPB has reported on the ongoing processes comprehensively and impartially. It is of utmost importance for us that our organization communicates diverse opinions and pluralism.

We share the responsibility for preserving public unity and eliminating radical conflicts. Bearing it in mind, the statement of the GPB’s Board of Trustees member Lika Basilaia-Shavgulidze, which she made on behalf of two other members, Lasha Tughushi and Zaza Abashidze, is concerning. She demanded to determine the beliefs of the broadcaster’s presenter and a journalist and make staff decisions, respectively.

We perceive this call, on the one hand, as a pressure on an employee, and on the other hand, as an attempt to infringe on editorial independence. When overcoming pluralism is challenging in society, requiring a study of someone’s beliefs is dangerous. Segregating people about their beliefs and orientations is also a menacing trend.

We believe that members of the Board of Trustees should set examples for every employee to make it clear which objectives the organization serves. Unfortunately, we see that one, who should uphold the Public Broadcaster’s aspirations and editorial independence, tries to violate them.

The GPB’s First Channel is and will be committed to its aspirations. It is and will be a European institution valuing diversity. We think we validate this value with high public responsibility and holding high-standard discussions.”

Lika Basilaia-Shavgulidze, a member of the GPB’s Board of Trustees, stated at the March 16 meeting that she was making the statement on behalf of Lasha Tughushi and Zaza Abashidze.