The Media Advocacy Coalition has condemned the election of Vasil Maglaperidze as the new head of Georgian Public Broadcaster (GPB). It claimed that the decision made by the Board of Trustees undermines the broadcaster’s reputation, adding that protection of the public television against political influence does not represent a priority for the board.
“The Media Advocacy Coalition supposes that appointment of Vasil Maglaperidze by GPB’s Board of Trustees clearly points at the fact that protection of the public broadcaster against political influence does not represent a priority for the board.
The board members and the society listened to a number of qualified candidates equipped with particular action plans and critical visions, but regretfully, the board did not support truly independent and professional candidates.
In our opinion, this decision will further undermine the broadcaster’s reputation and public trust towards it,” according to the statement released by the coalition.
The Board of Trustees of Georgian Public Broadcaster elected Vasil Maglaperidze as GPB’s new director general for a term of six years. He was elected with six votes.
