NGOs criticize Maestro TV’s refusal to air PSA
The signatory organizations disapprove of Maestro TV’s refusal to air a public service announcement produced by Georgian Young Lawyers’ Association to raise public awareness about dangers of early marriage.
Maestro TV’s refusal may have been motivated by recent developments between Maestro Studio Ltd. and GYLA (see the enclosed document) – in particular, GYLA has recently evaluated sacking of 32 employees of the television company as wrongful.
By virtue of applicable legislation, broadcasters are obligated to allocate at least 90 seconds per 3 hours free of charge and in a non-discriminatory manner for placement of PSAs, and any hostility of a broadcaster towards an organization that has produced a public service announcement does not relieve the former from the said obligation. Public service announcements serve an important cause of raising public awareness and they should not be limited based on grounds cited by Maestro TV. In addition, early marriage is one of the serious problems in Georgia, including forced marriage and engagement, perpetuated by low public awareness and ineffective response. Therefore, it is important for media to pay a particular attention to the issue because media’s role in raising public awareness is crucial. We regret that management of the television company misunderstands the role of media and the PSA’s role and function in a society. Therefore, GYLA will appeal Maesro TV’s failure to abide by the legal requirements in the Georgian National Communications Commission (GNCC).
We urge Maestro TV to act in conformity with the legal norms. It should realize the importance of media in a democratic society and ensure airing of GYLA’s public service announcement.
We also express our readiness to continue constructive cooperation with Maestro TV and protect interests of current or former employees of the company, as well as public interests of viewers.
Georgian Young Lawyers’ Association
Transparency International – Georgia
International Society for Fair Elections and Democracy
Media Support Foundation
Union Sapari
Media Club
National Network against Violence
Human Rights Center
Partnership for Human Rights
The Georgian Charter of Journalistic Ethics
Women’s Initiatives Support Group
Human Rights Education and Monitoring Center
Civic Development Agency
Article 42 of the Constitution
Association of Regional Broadcasters of Georgia