With 63 votes for and 3 — against, the Georgian parliament discussed and approved Law on Broadcasting with the third reading today. The changes, already approved by the parliament, will now be sent to President Giorgi Margvelashvili for signing. President will have signed or vetoed the law within 10-day term.

Based on the proposed changes, Georgian Public Broadcaster (GPB) will have the right to allocate commercial advertisements in morning or midday air but with limited time. Sponsorship of TV series, entertaining programs and international festivals will be allowed.

According to made amendments, GPB will allocate no less than 25% of products to programs prepared by private legal entities. GPB will conduct public surveys to fulfill content related obligations.

The changes also determine conditions of purchasing, authorities of Board of Trustees and General Director. The law also defines issues related to editorial and financial independence and budgeting.

The changes prepared during the process of parliamentary discussions have been supported more than once by the European Broadcasting Union (EBU).

EBU has 73 members in 56 countries. Membership is for broadcasting organizations whose countries are within the European Broadcasting Area, as defined by the International Telecommunication Union, or are members of the Council of Europe.