**Georgian Public Broadcaster Protested Over Lack of Daytime News**
Dozens of employees at Georgia‘s Public Broadcaster staged a brief protest outside the building on December 23. They demanded that management allow for daytime coverage of social, economic, and political issues.
The protesters claim they have asked twice for this change: once with a verbal request, which was rejected, and later through a formal letter. The management cited “technical issues” as the reason for not broadcasting news during the day.
The employees said in a statement that they understand their professional responsibility to the country and believe it’s essential for their work to be transparent.
**Technical Feasibility**
A journalist and host at the broadcaster, Vasil Ivanov-Chikovani, said that they have the resources and technical infrastructure to create new programs. He emphasized that what’s lacking is the will and resolve to set the right tasks.
Other employees also said that it’s technically possible to broadcast several hours a day with determination and will.
**Ongoing Tensions**
The protest highlights ongoing tensions within Georgia’s Public Broadcaster regarding its role in providing timely and relevant coverage to the public. This issue has been ongoing since December 1, when the broadcaster failed to cover a violent crackdown by police on peaceful demonstrators.
Scores of protesters blocked traffic outside the building after the channel’s leadership refused to meet them. They called for the resignation of the channel’s director and the Board Chair.
**Accusations of Bias**
The Public Broadcaster is widely accused of broadcasting Georgian Dream propaganda and not giving airtime to opposition views. The channel was previously accused by watchdogs of heavy bias, and several journalists alleged censorship.