**Government Regulates Traffic, Media Too**
The government is in charge of making sure traffic rules are followed. It’s also responsible for setting standards for the media.
Shalva Papuashvili, the Speaker of Parliament, said this to journalists about changes to a law that regulates broadcasting. He compared it to a traffic light. Just like drivers must follow red, yellow, and green lights, the government wants to set clear rules for journalists too.
Imagine a traffic light is off, he said. That’s what’s happening now with media standards. Everyone agrees on these rules, just as everyone knows what the colors of a traffic light mean. The problem is that these rules are not being followed.
The state must take responsibility for making sure these rules work, Papuashvili stated. If self-regulation were allowed in traffic, it would be chaos.
**Changes to Media Law**
Recently, the ruling party, Georgian Dream, proposed changes to the law on broadcasting. These changes aim to stop foreign powers from funding or influencing broadcasts directly or indirectly.
It will also be prohibited for broadcasters to receive money or other gifts from abroad. The purchase of broadcasting services by foreigners and funding program production or broadcasts will also be banned.
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