Georgian Dream Proposes Exempting Broadcasters Without Political Content From Foreign Funding Ban
Georgia’s disputed parliament is considering amendments to the Law on Broadcasting that would exempt certain “specialized broadcasters” that do not air news or political programming from foreign funding restrictions.
Georgian Dream amended the Law on Broadcasting in 2025, banning broadcasters from receiving funding from “foreign entities,” with exceptions for commercial advertising, sponsorships, and product placement services. The amendments also expanded the powers of Georgia’s state media regulator, the Communications Commission (ComCom), over broadcast content.
According to the new draft’s explanatory note, “specialized broadcasters” that would be exempt from the foreign funding ban are channels that offer single-topic programming, including sports, educational, and entertainment content. Those airing news programs or socio-political talk shows – most major pro-government and critical TV channels – would not qualify for the exemption.
In addition, the draft law says broadcasters that air political content and receive foreign funding would be required by the ComCom, in addition to sanctions provided under existing law, to transfer those funds to the state budget. If a broadcaster fails to comply with the Commission’s decision “within the established deadline,” the enforcement will be carried out by the National Bureau of Enforcement.
The proposed changes come as Georgian broadcasters continue to face financial hurdles amid tightening media regulations. In December, Transparency International-Georgia said that “17 regional broadcasters” halted operations in 2025 due to financial difficulties. The watchdog also warned that other major critical broadcasters, Formula TV and TV Pirveli, are also facing financial difficulties and the “risk of closure.”
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