OSCE media freedom representative calls on Georgian authorities to ensure effective work of public broadcaster

VIENNA, 24 January 2014 – OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media Dunja Mijatović today expressed disappointment at the inability of the Georgian Parliament to select new board members for the Georgian Public Broadcaster (GPB).

“I am disappointed to learn that the Parliament once again failed to complete the selection despite a competent and transparent competition held by the Public Selection Commission,” Mijatović said.

The Parliament only managed to select four out of nine candidates after a second vote on 23 January.

“I call on the Georgian Parliament to make a timely decision,” Mijatović said. “I believe the new board should revitalize the broadcaster and contribute to the free flow of information in the country.”

Mijatović also said she is hopeful that the GPB will be an independent broadcaster, free from political and commercial influences.

The first unsuccessful vote to select new board members for the GPB was held in late December. On 9 January Mijatović wrote to the Chairman of Parliament of Georgia, David Usupashvili, and expressed her concern regarding the failure to elect new members to the board.