“Beyond its technological innovation, the new building of the GPB First Channel is, in essence, an ecosystem of contemporary media designed to serve our entire society and each of its individual members,” Tinatin Berdzenishvili, the Director General of the GPB’s First Channel, made this statement at the grand opening of the GPB’s new headquarters.

“It is a great honour for us to host you at the ceremonial opening of the Public Broadcaster’s new building. Today, we are all becoming part of history—a history that began in 1925 with a voice heard through a radio receiver, progressed in 1956 with images broadcast from a small room in the Tbilisi Tower, and has been an inseparable part of the daily lives of every citizen in our country for almost a century,” Berdzenishvili continued.

She went on to reveal that the symbolic foundation capsule for the First Channel’s new building was laid on December 30, 2020, coinciding with the anniversary of the first television broadcast.

“I am proud to say that our city has gained a new, modern architectural eco-friendly green project, designed by a team of young Georgian architects and selected through a public process. I want to emphasize that the complex construction process was carried out in collaboration with 36 local Georgian companies, which speaks to the high competence of representatives from various fields in our country. It is a source of pride that throughout these four years of building the new television facility, every member of society, both from the public and private sectors, has shown us unconditional support. I believe this is precisely what measures the significance of the Public Broadcaster today, here and now,” Berdzenishvili stated.

She further noted the importance of the project having undergone engineering expertise from leading European companies.

“The building’s infrastructure itself incorporates several automated management systems, which in turn allows for the fastest broadcasting through television, radio, and online media. Today, we are joined by our international friends and partners. I believe this project serves as a kind of prestigious model for the region and perhaps even globally,” Berdzenishvili remarked.

She highlighted that a technological project of this complexity in the field of communication had not been implemented in the country since the 1960s.

“This is not just a television station; it’s a multimedia centre that combines media broadcasting, and film production, and facilitates the development of digital spaces. The total area of the five studios is over 5,000 square meters. Beyond technological innovation, the new building is, in its essence, an ecosystem of modern media that will serve the entire society and each of its members,” Berdzenishvili explained.

The Director General emphasized the crucial importance of maintaining uninterrupted broadcasting during the transition process.

“This experience is unique not only for us but for the entire country. I want to underscore the involvement of the First Channel’s employees, who have understood the importance of this infrastructure from day one, patiently endured four extremely challenging years, and now continue to work with high professionalism and double effort to serve our country and society.”

Very soon, we will celebrate 100 years since the first broadcast in Georgia. By that time, the Public Broadcaster will already be the country’s main media hub, equipped with the latest technology and technological advancements. We are welcoming the centenary of broadcasting in Georgia in this new building. We believe this is just the beginning, and there is more to come,” Berdzenishvili concluded.