Georgian Media Partnership Program (GMPP)

GMPP is a two-year program funded by the Public Affairs section of the US Embassy in Tbilisi. GMPP aims to build strong, collegial and lasting relationships between Georgian regional television broadcasters and broadcasters in the US via professional exchanges.

The exchanges are focused to improve journalistic, technological and business management practices among the Georgian partners, who will then share their knowledge with their Georgian peers.

Goals

• Support the professional development of Georgian media through partnerships with US media outlets

• Improve Georgian media outlets’ viability

Background

Though television is the medium most Georgians turn to for up-to-date news and information, it has become increasingly politicized. National broadcasters largely align themselves with the ruling authorities and independent broadcasters have become a rare breed. Those independent broadcasters that have survived in Georgia’s outlying regions struggle to maintain their financial viability because of weak advertising markets.

While there have been some attempts at strengthening the professional quality and management of regional broadcasters, those efforts have faltered as the broadcasters have struggled to maintain their independence. With national media largely siding with the government, regional media face more acute pressures from regional government officials, whom the national authorities, and the public, scrutinize less. Consequently, numerous outlets practice self-censorship to avoid political problems and stay on air.

Project Activities

To address these challenges, GMPP will partner a total of four Georgian regional broadcasters with relevant US regional broadcasters for yearlong professional partnerships. Georgian and American broadcasters will participate in weeklong exchanges over the course of several months – to be complemented by virtual consultation – to meet the needs of the Georgian broadcasters, whether in journalism, technical issues or business management.