**Public Broadcaster Responds to Dismissal of TV Anchors, Stating Decision is Fair and Legally Justified**
The Public Broadcaster in Georgia has released a statement regarding the dismissal of two prominent TV anchors, Vasil Ivanov-Chikovani and Nino Zautashvili. The statement comes after weeks of controversy surrounding the disciplinary proceedings against several employees, including the two news presenters.
According to the statement, the Public Broadcaster followed the process defined by relevant legislation in making its decision to dismiss the TV anchors. The organization claims that some employees involved in the process had exhausted their resources for a constructive and professional relationship with the employer, making further cooperation impossible.
**Journalistic Standards at Stake**
The Public Broadcaster emphasizes that its employees bear special responsibility and an obligation to uphold standards of professionalism, impartiality, and objectivity. As a media outlet, the organization is committed to upholding high journalistic standards, both before its audience and within the industry.
In this context, the statement notes that some employees had compromised or called into question the broadcaster’s or their own impartiality and objectivity through public comments. This behavior was seen as unacceptable by the Public Broadcaster, which has a responsibility to maintain its editorial independence and reputation.
**Disciplinary Proceedings and Outcomes**
The disciplinary proceedings against six employees, including the two TV anchors, were launched to investigate potential violations of labor contracts signed with the Public Broadcaster and internal labor regulations. The statement reveals that some employees received different forms of disciplinary sanctions, while others are still under investigation.
Specifically, Tamar Mshvenieradze, a correspondent for “Real Space”, Ioseb Katsitadze, another host of the same program, Kakha Melikidze, control room director and also director at the sports channel, and Irma Chubinidze, director of the branding and promotion team, were sanctioned. The evaluation of results regarding other employees is still ongoing.
**Emphasis on Independence and Reiteration**
The Public Broadcaster reiterates that it is an independent media organization guided by applicable laws and its own regulations developed in accordance with international standards. Any attack on its editorial independence or campaign of false accusations damaging its image and reputation will not go unanswered, the statement emphasizes.
In conclusion, the Public Broadcaster maintains that its decision to dismiss Vasil Ivanov-Chikovani and Nino Zautashvili is fair, impartial, and legally justified. The organization remains committed to upholding high journalistic standards and protecting its editorial independence in the face of controversy.
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