CONSULTANCY FOR THE GEORGIAN PUBLIC BROADCASTER ON THE COVERAGE OF THE UPCOMING ELECTIONS

Our expert has been working as a consultant in the framework of a project entitled “Promoting freedom, professionalism and pluralism of the media in Georgia”, helping the Georgian Public Broadcaster (GPB) in the coverage of the upcoming 8 October parliamentary elections. The project is supported by the European Union and the Council of Europe and it aims at improving professionalism and responsibility among media representatives and strengthening the independence of the broadcasting regulatory bodies and the public service broadcaster.

The consultant supports GPB journalists and editors providing advice on how to ensure a thorough and balanced coverage of election campaign activities, how to do a fair and transparent selection of candidates to various election-related programmes as well as how to draw a clear line between fulfilment of public and party functions in providing impartial and balanced reporting. He participates in the daily agenda/topics-related discussions, accompanying TV crews to the field, offering feedback during interviews and in preparing footages.

The consultant also participates in editing process, including related discussions, supporting and advising journalists and other relevant staff in their effort to provide impartial, balanced and fair news coverage. Moreover, he advises GPB journalists during preparation of the main news programs, including specific news item structure and format, preparation of news as well as advising on the performance of a studio anchor and on-the-spot journalists.