“We are convinced that we will adapt to the final model [on GPB funding]. On the one hand, we are eager to rationalize the state budget, and on the other hand, ensure the GPB’s financial independence, and otherwise. we will definitely find the best solution for it,” – said the Speaker of Parliament, Shalva Papuashvili following the meeting with the Director General of the GPB First Channel, Tinatin Berdzenishvili, and the Chairman of the GPB Board of Trustees, Vasil Maglaperidze,

“In its time, the law on broadcasting contained a temporary norm linking broadcaster’s budget to GDP.  Earlier paragraphs in the same law defined the basic norm that it should depend on taxpayers, i.e. the population.

Since Georgia’s GDP experienced a jumping rise, the MPs stressed it was not adequate. In fact, the GPB budget has soared by 50 per cent in the last few years and will grow by 50 per cent in three to four years if it is tied to GDP.

According to what I know about other countries’ experiences, there is no such connection to GDP. There are several systems, and we have discussed them. We have agreed to continue the conversation,” Papuashvili went on to say.