Transparency International Georgia

Tbilisi, June 2014

Website: http://transparency.ge/en

The G-MEDIA program is made possible by support from the American people through USAID. The content and opinions expressed herein are those of Transparency International Georgia and do not reflect the views of the U.S. Government, USAID or IREX.

Table of Contents Summary ............................................................................................................................................................ 3

Introduction ..................................................................................................................................................... 4

Ownership transparency ............................................................................................................................. 4 Sustainability of regional media ............................................................................................................... 5 Market Concentration ................................................................................................................................... 5 Financing of media outlets and media-related services from the local municipalities ........ 6 TV stations ........................................................................................................................................................ 7

Trialeti TV and Radio (Gori) ....................................................................................................................... 7 TV Radio Company Kvemo Kartli (Rustavi) .......................................................................................... 8 Dia (Khashuri) ................................................................................................................................................. 9 Borjomi TV (Borjomi) ................................................................................................................................. 10 Odishi (Zugdidi) ............................................................................................................................................ 11 TV 25 (Batumi) .............................................................................................................................................. 12 TV4 (Batumi) .................................................................................................................................................. 13 Rioni TV (Kutaisi) ......................................................................................................................................... 13 TV Zari (Samtredia) ..................................................................................................................................... 14 Mega TV (Khoni) ........................................................................................................................................... 14 TV Gurjaani (Gurjaani) ............................................................................................................................... 14 Metskhre Talga (Poti) ................................................................................................................................. 15 TV Tanamgzavri (Telavi) ........................................................................................................................... 16 Independent TV-company Guria (Ozurgeti) ....................................................................................... 16 TV Argo (Zestaponi) .................................................................................................................................... 17 TV Company Imperia ( Channel 9 in Akhaltsikhe) ........................................................................... 18 Imervizia (Chiatura) .................................................................................................................................... 18 Marneuli TV (Marneuli) ............................................................................................................................. 19 LTD Ekomi - L-TV (Lagodekhi) ................................................................................................................ 19 Egrisi (Senaki) ............................................................................................................................................... 19 Omega (Manglisi) .......................................................................................................................................... 20 Radio stations ................................................................................................................................................ 20

Radio Hereti (Lagodekhi) .......................................................................................................................... 20 Radio Atinati (Zugdidi) ............................................................................................................................... 20 Radio Dzveli Kalaki (Kutaisi) ................................................................................................................... 21 Radio Imeri (Zestaponi) ............................................................................................................................. 21 Print and Online ............................................................................................................................................ 22

Guria News (Chokhatauri) ........................................................................................................................ 22 Akhali Gazeti (Kutaisi) ................................................................................................................................ 22 Newspaper P.S. (Kutaisi) ............................................................................................................................ 22 Newspaper Samkhretis Karibche /SK News (Akhalkalaki) .......................................................... 23 Newspaper Kakheti’s Khma (Telavi) ..................................................................................................... 23 Newspaper Spektri (Gurjaani) ................................................................................................................. 24 Qartli.ge (Gori) .............................................................................................................................................. 24 Chemi Kharagauli ......................................................................................................................................... 24 Network of Information Centers ............................................................................................................. 24 Appendix 1 ...................................................................................................................................................... 25

Appendix 2 ...................................................................................................................................................... 26

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Summary This report looks at the ownership, operations and financing of local media outlets, which in many cities, towns and communities across the country play an important role in communicating and shaping local discussions and events. Their role will further increase as a result of the recent local self-governance reform which introduced direct election of mayors in 12 cities in the June 2014 elections. This report is a second part of TI Georgia’s large scale research “Who Owns Georgia’s Media?” New research seeks to contribute to a better understanding of the power networks and corporate relationships that affect regional media outlets. The audience should be able to understand who owns the media and which other businesses are linked to a particular outlet. Having this understanding is an important aspect of media literacy, allowing viewers, readers and listeners to better detect and understand any bias a media outlet might transport; not only political or ideological spin but also corporate interests that may be reflected and promoted by a specific media company. New research revealed that the ownership of Georgian regional media outlets is rather transparent. We did not find any cases where the identity of media owners is hidden behind offshore entities. There are few large businessmen who have shares in the local Georgian media market. For many regional media owners, a media company is their only business asset. The level of market concentration in the regions is not a matter of concern. Throughout the research we have not established any indications of politically active individuals directly or indirectly owning, financing or controlling local media outlets. However, several owners of regional media outlets had links with the United National Movement and local municipalities prior to the 2012 parliamentary elections. The research is based on the analysis of public documents and media reports and on interviews with representatives of regional media outlets.

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Introduction This report looks at the ownership and programming of up to twenty regional TV stations, five local radios and up to ten local newspapers and online media outlets. Presented research covers the following media outlets: Trialeti TV and radio, TV Dia, Borjomi TV, Odishi TV and radio, TV 25, TV4, Rioni TV and radio, Kemo Kartli TV, TV Zari, Mega TV, TV Gurjaani, Metskhre Talga, TV Tanamgzavri, Independent TV company Guria, TV Argo, TV company Imperia (Akhaltsikhte Channel 9), Imervizia, Marneuli TV, LTD Ekomi (L-TV), TV Egrisi, TV Omega, Radio Hereti, Radio Dzveli Kalaki, Radio Imeri, Radio Atinati, Radio Harmonia, newspaper Guria News, newspaper Akhali Gazeti, newspaper P.S., newspaper Samkhretis Karibche, newspapers Kakhetis Khma, Newspaper Spektri, newspaper Chemi Kharagauli, online outlet qartli.ge and Network of Information Centers. This research aims to provide information on owners of local media outlets, their background and other business activities. It is a second part of TI Georgia’s large scale research “Who Owns Georgia’s Media?” The previous report looked at the ownership of Georgia’s media outlets that have national coverage or reach large segments of the population.1 The new report focuses on the ownership, operations and financing of local media outlets, which in many cities, towns and communities across the country play an important role in communicating and shaping local discussions and events. This report reflects ownership changes as of April 30, 2014. The role of regional media will further increase as a result of the local self-governance reform which introduced direct election of mayors in 12 cities in the June 2014 elections. This research seeks to contribute to a better understanding of the power networks and corporate relationships that affect media outlets. The audience should be able to understand who owns the media and which other businesses are linked to a particular outlet. Having this understanding is an important aspect of media literacy, allowing viewers, readers and listeners to better detect and understand any bias a media outlet might transport; not only political or ideological spin but also corporate interests that may be reflected and promoted by a specific media company. The research is based on the analysis of public documents and media reports and on interviews with representatives of regional media outlets. Due to the lack of a comprehensive business directory, and because companies often remain listed as active in the Public Registry’s company database even if they are no longer operational, we are not always able to trace company activities and sectors. Because Georgian Joint Stock Companies (JSC) are not required to disclose any of their shareholders, it may not be possible to reflect media owners’ involvement in such companies.

Ownership transparency The ownership of Georgian regional media outlets is rather transparent. We did not find any cases when the identity of media owners is hidden behind offshore entities. There are few large businessmen who have shares in the local Georgian media market. For many regional media owners, a media company is their only business asset.

1 See: Transparency International Georgia, Who owns Georgia’s media: Power networks and corporate relationships behind Georgian media outlets, April 2014; http://transparency.ge/sites/default/files/post_attachments/Who%20owns%20Georgia%27s%20media%2C%2016%20April%202014_0.pdf, accessed on May 30, 2014;

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Throughout the research we have not established any indications of politically active individuals directly or indirectly owning, financing or controlling local media outlets. However, several owners of regional media outlets had links with the United National Movement and local municipalities prior to the 2012 parliamentary elections.

Sustainability of regional media Despite the deep roots of local stations in their communities, regional media outlets have not been able to attract a significant share of the advertising spending and continue to struggle for financial sustainability. Ticker announcements with obituaries, personal messages and classified ads remain the largest source of income for most local broadcasters. Local TV stations accounted for approximately 4% of all television revenues last year, while the five large local radio stations (Hereti, Dzveli Kalaki, Imeri, Atinnati and Harmonia) accumulated around 3% of all radio revenues in 2013.2 Revenues of print and online outlets are not publicly available in Georgia. Due to financial challenges local media outlets are not able to employ a large number of journalists and in most cases editorial staff is composed of 8 individuals on average. A few outlets have less than five employees. Some regional media outlets are family businesses. Although most of the regional broadcasters air local news and have political talk-shows, only half of the broadcasters cover news on a daily basis (including the weekends). Production of talk-shows for some stations is funded by various donor organizations. Members of the Georgian Association of Regional Broadcasters (GARB) air programs and documentaries prepared by GARB and also participate in donor-funded GARB projects. One of such projects was pre-election debates that were held on 13 regional TV channels, namely: TV 25, Metskhre Talga, Odishi, Imervizia, Borjomi, Imperia (Akhaltiskhe Channel 9), Marneuli TV, TV Argo, Gurjaani TV, TV Tanamgzavri, TV Rioni, Kvemo Kartli TV and TV Guria.3 In 2014 the Georgian National Communication Commission (GNCC) abolished the licenses of three local broadcasters – Samegrelo, TV5 and Spektri for suspension of broadcasting for more than three months.4 One year ahead of the digital switchover, regional broadcasters face even greater financial challenges as the transmission infrastructure will need to be upgraded. There will also be other costs related to the transition to a new broadcasting market model. Two regional newspapers – the Armenian edition of Samkhretis Karibche and Kartlis Khma closed down in recent months due to a lack of financing.5 Some newspapers also had to reduce the number of pages for the same reason.

Market Concentration There are 32 TV stations in Georgia that hold terrestrial broadcasting licenses, out of which 21 stations broadcast in different regions of Georgia (excluding Tbilisi.) Additionally, 24 companies hold licenses for radio broadcasting in different regions of Georgia. 6

2 Georgian National Communications Commission (GNCC) analytical portal: www.analytics.gncc.ge 3 Interview with GARB, June 9, 2014; 4 GNCC response of Freedom of Information Request by TI Georgia received on May 1, 2014; 5 Interview with Saba Tsitsikashvili, director of qartli.ge, April 30, 2014; Interview with Samkhretis Karibche representative, May 1, 2014; 6 GNCC response of Freedom of Information Request by TI Georgia received on May 1, 2014

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The level of market concentration in the regions is not a matter of concern at the moment. Several large regional broadcasters, Rioni, Odishi and Trialeti, operate their own radio stations. Khashuri based TV company Dia runs a local cable provider company with around 800 subscribers. Poti based TV station Metskhre Talga owns a majority of shares in a local radio – radio Harmonia. Most of the local newspapers also run online portals. Under current anti-monopoly rules, “A person may possess independently or with an interdependent person no more than one terrestrial broadcasting license for television and one for radio in any one service area.”7 The territory of Georgia comprises ten such broadcasting zones. No similar regulation affects print or online media. With the introduction of digital terrestrial TV broadcasting in June 2015, the licensing rules will be abolished altogether. Current market concentration rules will also need to be revised to protect and ensure pluralism after the switch to digital broadcasting.

Financing of media outlets and media-related services from the local municipalities More than 30 of 69 municipalities finance media outlets and public relations activities from their budgets. The overall sum spent on media sector went down from GEL 7,4 million in 2012 to GEL 1,4 million in 2014.8 This is mainly because Ajara TV, which was a government department and thus was financed from the budget, was transformed into Ajarian Public Broadcaster following July 2013 amendments to the Law on Broadcasting. Media-related activities financed by public funds mainly include publication of newspapers, financing information centers and purchasing broadcasting time. Municipality funded newspapers are not considered large players and don’t limit the operation of other outlets on the market. Nevertheless, municipality announcements that are printed in these publications may have otherwise become an additional source of income for independent/private regional newspapers, if awarded through competitive tenders or through sales negotiations. According to an article by a local online outlet kakhetinews.ge, Kakheti municipalities have recently cut the expenses for permanent contracts with several local media outlets for purchasing broadcasting services.9 Several municipalities also collaborate with TV stations. The Law on Broadcasting bans administrative organs from financing broadcasters (Law on Broadcasting, Article 661, Paragraph 1), however an administrative organ may purchase services of a broadcaster in order

7 Interdependence is defined as the “relationship when one person directly or indirectly owns stocks or shares in the charter capital of the second person, or is an official of this person, or performs remunerated services for it or for its shareholder, partner or official, or one broadcaster provides broadcasting via another broadcaster.” Law on Broadcasting, Article 2, paragraph h11.); Article 60, http://www.gncc.ge/files/7050_3380_521308_Georgian%20Law%20on%20Broadcasting%202013_Eng.pdf, accessed on May 30, 2014; 8 To gather information on financing media and media-related activities by local municipalities we analyzed budgets of 69 municipalities in Georgia. Budgets are available on Georgian Legal Herald www.matsne.gov.ge; 9 Kakhetinews.ge: Media Control with Selective Funding, http://kakhetinews.ge/ge/home/news/journalistic-investigation/media-kontroli-serceviti-dafinansebit, accessed on May 30, 2014;

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to place social advertising or disseminate information important to the public.10 Throughout the research we did not encounter any facts indicating breaches to this regulation.

• Overall media spending by the local municipalities (excluding autonomous republics) accounted for GEL 1,19 million in 2012, GEL 1,01 million in 2013 and GEL 1,17 million in 2014.

• Sachkhere Municipality spends up to Gel 40 thousand annually on association Massmedia and on broadcasting company Imervizia, a Chiatura-based channel. The director of Imervizia Ramaz Gamezardashvili told TI Georgia that the TV company has participated in and won a tender announced by Sachkhere municipality on selling broadcasting time.

• Marneuli Municipality increased spending on media related services three times in 2014 (GEL 40,000 in 2012 and 2013; GEL 126,00 in 2014). The municipality is collaborating with Marneuli TV and newspaper Akhali Marneuli. Shalva Shubladze, the director of TV Marneuli says these funds are received for buying air time to broadcast Sakrebulo meetings and for inviting Sakrebulo members as guest speakers to answer the citizens’ questions.

• Gardabani municipality budget contains a clause on subsidizing TV stations: GEL 30,000 in 2012 and GEL 15,000 in 2013 and 2014.

• Up to twenty municipalities own newspapers which they finance annually and use for disseminating information on municipality activities.

TV stations

Trialeti TV and Radio (Gori) Trialeti, a Gori-based TV channel also operates a radio station. Jondo and Badri Nanetashvili own 50% and 20% of shares, respectively, 10% still belongs to LTD Channel Nine, owned by the family of former Prime Minister Bidzina Ivanishvili, and the rest (20%) is owned by Nino Gagnidze, wife of Badri Nanetashvili.11 20% of LTD Channel Nine is owned by Kakha Kobiashvili (through LTD Aktsepti), a relative of former Prime Minister Bidzina Ivanishvili. Kobiashvili is the legal representative of nine different offshore companies that hold assets in Georgia.12 There are strong indications that these companies are controlled by Ivanishvili family. Badri Nanetashvili is a former deputy governor of Shida Kartli. He owns shares in two other companies – the audit firm LTD Audit-Mrcheveli (50%) and LTD Investmedia (100%).13

TV Broadcasting: 24 hours News: 5 times a day

10 Law on Broadcasting, Article 66, paragraph 1, http://www.gncc.ge/files/7050_3380_521308_Georgian%20Law%20on%20Broadcasting%202013_Eng.pdf, accessed on May 30, 2014; 11 Extract from the National Agency of Public Registry, https://enreg.reestri.gov.ge/main.php?c=mortgage&m=get_output_by_id&scandoc_id=418558&app_id=487522, accessed May 30, 2014; 12 Media.ge: Owner of Channel 9 Represents Nine Offshore Companies, April 2013, http://www.media.ge/en/portal/news/300776/, accessed May 30, 2014; 13 Civil Service Bureau: Asset Declaration of Badri Nanetashvili, https://declaration.gov.ge/declaration/2419, accessed May 30, 2014

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Political Talk Shows: Tuesday – Tvalsazrisi (Opinion), Thursday – Sheni Pozitsia (Your Position), Monday, Wednesday, Friday – Tkveni Azri (Your Opinion), Saturday – Kviris Ambebi (Weekly News) Coverage Area: Shida Kartli (Gori, Kareli, Khashuri, Kaspi, Tskhinvali, Akhalgori) Cable broadcasting: Silk TV, Caucasus TV, Iveriasat, Global TV and local cable providers in all major Georgian cities. Editorial Staff: 40 Re-broadcasting: Maestro news14 Radio Broadcasting: 24 hours News: 8 times a day Political Talk Shows: Twice a week – Hotline Coverage Area: Shida Kartli (Gori, Kareli, Khashuri, Kaspi, Tskhinvali, Akhalgori) Editorial Staff: 14 Re-broadcasting: Programs of Radio Tavisupleba and Ekho Kavkaza15

TV Radio Company Kvemo Kartli (Rustavi) TV Radio Company Kvemo Kartli is a joint stock company owned by Roland Mgaloblishvili (85%) and Merab Tkeshelashvili (15%). Both shareholders are former public officials.16 Roland Mgaloblishvili was a Member of Parliament in 2003-2004. In his 2002 asset declaration he disclosed the ownership of two other joint stock companies: JSC Hotel Rustavi (a hotel in the city of Rustavi) and JSC Parnavazi, a company with no public record.17 Mgaloblishvili and his wife Eter Jolia jointly own 98% of Business Center Hotel Rustavi located in the center of city of Rustavi.18 LTD Hotel Rustavi is registered as a separate company and is fully owned by Mgaloblishvili’s wife.19 Mgaloblishvili also owns LTD TV company Marneuli, an authorized subject that does not hold its own terrestrial license.20 The TV company’s second owner, Merab Tkeshelashvili, acted as the Mayor of Rustavi until 2006.21 He owns 33% of LTD New Ajaria and 7.2% of Jockey Club, a company in control of the

14 E-mail communication with Trialeti TV, April 23, 2014; 15 E-mail communication with Radio Trialeti, June 4, 2014 16 Georgian National Communication Commission: http://www.gncc.ge/declarations/kvemokartlii.pdf, accessed May 30, 2014; 17 Civil Service Bureau: Asset Declaration Rolan Mgaloblishvili, https://declaration.gov.ge/declarations/q.rustavis%20sakrebulo/Mgaloblishvili%20Roland%202002%20.pdf, accessed May 30, 2014; 18 Extract from the National Agency of Public Registry, https://enreg.reestri.gov.ge/main.php?c=mortgage&m=get_output_by_id&scandoc_id=602330&app_id=682637, accessed May 30, 2014; 19 Extract from the National Agency of Public Registry, https://enreg.reestri.gov.ge/main.php?c=mortgage&m=get_output_by_id&scandoc_id=632660&app_id=715823, accessed May 30, 2014; 20 Extract from the National Agency of Public Registry, https://enreg.reestri.gov.ge/main.php?c=mortgage&m=get_output_by_id&scandoc_id=499365&app_id=576315, accessed May 30, 2014; 21 Civil Service Bureau: Asset Declaration of Merab Tkeshelashvili, https://declaration.gov.ge/declarations/q.rustavis%20meria/Tkeshelashvili%20Merab%202005%20.pdf, accessed May 30, 2014;

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old hippodrome in Tbilisi,22 which is co-owned by Giorgi Rurua, brother of Nika Rurua, former Minister of Culture.23 According to the latest July 2009 extract from the Land Registry,24 parts of the hippodrome land are also owned by LTD Tbilisi Ipodrom, where both Tkeshelashvili and Giorgi Rurua hold minor shares (3% and 1% respectively).25 53% of Tbilisi Ipodrom is owned by a BVI company Sobbia holdings Corporation, represented by Aleksandre Gogokhia,26 former director of Georgian Lottery Company and Future Products Company; entities controlled by Dato Kezerashvili.27 Tkeshelashvili also owns LTD New Georgian Group and LTD Edelweis (35%).28

Broadcasting: 19 hours news: Monday – Saturday, once a day Talk-Shows: none Coverage Area: Bolnisi, Rustavi, Marneuli Cable Broadcasting: Silk-TV, Global TV Editorial Staff: 9 Re-broadcasting: TV 3 news

Dia (Khashuri) The TV station Dia in Khashuri is owned by Guram Gogoladze who also owns a swimming pool in Rustavi (Rustavi Arena), a hotel in Bakuriani (Prima 2010, 100%), a retailer of glass and porcelain dishes (Elite Service Group, 35%), a tourist agency (Prime Tour, 50%), and several other businesses: LTD Prestige (34%), LTD China Star (100%), Kalaubani (25%), Eko Group (41.6%), American Hotel Service (16.5%) and the Georgian Institute of Sports (through LTD Pegasi). He is also the president of the Georgian Wheelchair Rugby Federation and co-founded the Georgian Nordic Federation.29 TV Company Dia also provides cable TV services with some 800 subscribers as of February 2014.30

22 Humanrights.ge: What is the link between Tamar Mepe and Jockey Club? (Part I), http://humanrights.ge/index.php?a=main&pid=6985&lang=geo, accessed June 18, 2014 23 TI Georgia corporation search tool, http://www.companyinfo.ge/en/people/445428/, accessed May 30, 2014, asset declaration of Nika Rurua, https://idfi.ge/public/migrated/uploadedFiles/files/rurua.pdf, accessed May 30, 2014; 24Extract from the National Agency of Public Registry https://naprweb.reestri.gov.ge/engine/papers/showdocument.php?d=a&doc_id=1281868&mime=application/pdf, accessed June 1, 2014 25 Extract from the National Agency of Public Registry, https://enreg.reestri.gov.ge/main.php?c=mortgage&m=get_output_by_id&scandoc_id=449789&app_id=519149, accessed May 30, 2014; 26 National Agency of Public Registry, https://enreg.reestri.gov.ge/main.php?c=mortgage&m=get_scandoc_by_id&scandoc_id=502036&app_id=519149, accessed June 1, 2014 27 TI Georgia Corporation Search website: http://www.companyinfo.ge/en/people/425156/, accessed May 30, 2014; 28 TI Georgia Corporation Search website, http://www.companyinfo.ge/ka/people/445428/, accessed May 30, 2014; 29 TI Georgia Corporation Search Website, http://www.companyinfo.ge/en/people/391797/, accessed May 30, 2014; 30 TV company Dia Webiste, http://dia.ge/?m=7, accessed May 30, 2014, Georgian National Communication Commission analytics tool www.analytics.gncc.ge;

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Broadcasting: 12 hours News: every day except weekends, twice a day Talk Shows: none Coverage Area: Khashuri and surroundings Cable broadcasting: a local cable provider in Gori, Silk TV Editorial Staff: 4 Re-broadcasting: none31

Borjomi TV (Borjomi) The local TV station in Borjomi is owned by Marina Kupatadze (20%), Mariam Japharidze (45%) and Giorgi Kurdadze (35%). The latter two also own LTD Skalini. Japharidze serves as the director of Zaza Okuashvili’s Iberia-TV, while Giorgi Kurdadze serves as the director of Iberia TV’s owner company Benmont.32 Zaza Okuashvili is the owner of the Omega Group. He has often publicly spoken about his involvement, but the ownership is not easily traceable as the group is held through a network of offshore shell companies. Omega Group, according to its website, includes the cigarette manufacturer OGT; Omega 2 which distributes cigarettes (Malboro, Chesterfield, Parliament) and owns the dealerships for Iveco trucks and Chevrolet; Omega Motors (BMW, Mini dealerships) and the publishing house Omega Tag. In 2013, Okuashvili regained control over a broadcasting license that was previously held by Aisi TV (a subsidiary of Imedi TV’s Georgian Media Production Group). Iberia TV had controlled the same frequency until 2004, when, according to company representatives, the government seized it after armed police forces entered the offices of Okuashivli’s Omega Group to investigate the alleged illegal production of cigarettes.33 Borjomi TV runs a computer center where interested people can sign up for trainings in accounting related issues and also take English and Russian classes. The center was set up with financial support from the IREX G-MEDIA project.

Broadcasting: 10 hours News: every day except weekend, 3 times a day Talk Shows: Thursday – Forum ( funded by OSGF), planning to launch a second talk-show Coverage area: Borjomi and its surroundings Cable broadcasting: a local cable provider in Borjomi Editorial Staff: 9 Re-broadcasting: none34

31 Interview with TV company Dia, April 25, 2014; 32 TI Georgia Corporation Search Website, http://www.companyinfo.ge/en/people/508422/, http://www.companyinfo.ge/en/people/503238/, http://www.companyinfo.ge/en/people/388220/, accessed May 30, 2014; 33 See: TI Georgia: Who owns Georgia’s media: Power networks and corporate relationships behind Georgian media outlets, April 2014, http://transparency.ge/sites/default/files/post_attachments/Who%20owns%20Georgia%27s%20media%2C%2016%20April%202014_0.pdf , accessed May 30, 2014; 34 Interview with TV Borjomi, April 25, 2014;

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Odishi (Zugdidi) Zugdidi local broadcaster Odishi TV, which also operates Radio Odishi on FM 102.5, is owned by Emma Grigolia. Her nephew, Davit Grigolia, is the company’s director.35 Emma Grigolia’s son Aleksandre Kobalia was Gamgebeli of Zugdidi municipality (as a member of the United National Movement)36 and resigned a few months after the 2012 parliamentary elections.37 Aleksandre Kobalia is among seven people who founded Odishi back in 1996. By March 2010, Emma Grigolia had acquired shares from all the partners and became a sole shareholder.38 Emma Grigolia’s late husband Grigol Kobalia was the Member of Parliament from the UNM until 2008.39 Emma Grigolia owns 34% of LTD New G and she and Davit Grigolia are both shareholders of LTD Odishi Net, a local internet provider (34% each).40 Davit Grigolia owns LTD Lazi (42.5%), LTD Evroplasti (100%), LTD Reda Motors (50%), LTD Euroholding (50%), LTD Dase (50%) and LTD Tsipruli Samkaro (Digital World, 100%). He also holds 40% of Berta-Samegrelo, which according to the website of chocolate manufacturer company Barambo,41 Berta-Samegrelo is an ice-cream distributor.42 Barambo is owned by family and persons linked to former governor of Mrksheta Mtianeti Tzezar Chocheli.43 Emma Grigolia is a board member of Association Youth Center Jikha. In 2011 Jikha transferred its TV broadcasting license for the region of Tsalenjikha to Open Abkhazia (Voice of Abkhazia).44

TV Broadcasting: 20 hours News: every day, three times a day (in addition, short news every hour except weekends) Talk Shows: None Coverage area: Zugdidi and Gali Cable Broadcasting: none Editorial Staff: 27

35 Extravt from the National Agency of Public Registry, https://enreg.reestri.gov.ge/main.php?c=mortgage&m=get_output_by_id&scandoc_id=546470&app_id=624057, accessed May 30, 2014; 36 Civil Service Bureau: Asset Declaration of Aleksandre Kobalia, https://declaration.gov.ge/declaration/7007, accessed May 30, 2014; 37 Rustavi 2: Zugdidi Gamgebeli Resigned, December 2012, http://www.rustavi2.com/news/news_textg.php?id_news=47617&pg=1&im=main, accessed May 30, 2014; 38 Extract from the National Agency of Public Registry, https://enreg.reestri.gov.ge/main.php?c=mortgage&m=get_output_by_id&scandoc_id=37085&app_id=45526, accessed June 2, 2014 39 Civil Service Bureau, Asset Declaration of Grigol Kobalia, https://declaration.gov.ge/declarations/saqartvelos%20parlamenti/Qobalia%20Grigol%202008.pdf, accessed June 9, 2014 40 TI Georgia Corporation Search website, http://companyinfo.ge/en/people/384587/, accessed May 30, 2014, Odishi Net Facebook page, https://www.facebook.com/odishi.net, accessed May 30, 2014; 41 Barambo website, http://barambo.ge/ge/contact, accessed June 1, 2014 42 TI Georgia Corporation Search Webiste, http://companyinfo.ge/en/people/385333/, accessed May 30, 2014; 43 Extract from the National Agency of Public registry, https://enreg.reestri.gov.ge/main.php?c=mortgage&m=get_output_by_id&scandoc_id=671848&app_id=757177, accessed June 1, 2014 44 Georgian National Communications Commission, May 2011, http://www.gncc.ge/index.php?lang_id=GEO&sec_id=7070&info_id=9268, accessed May 30, 2014;

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Re-broadcasting: none45 Radio Broadcasting:24 hours News: None at the moment, to be launched in September Talk Shows: None Coverage Area: Most of Samegrelo, parts of Abkhazia Staff: 9 Re-broadcasting: Monte-Carlo46

TV 25 (Batumi) Channel 25 in Batumi is owned by Jemal Verdzadze (51%) and Giorgi Surmanidze (49%). Neither has a record of other business activities.47 In February 2012, the relatives of the owners of TV 25 were granted state assets worth GEL 4 million through a direct acquisition. According to the Public Registry, the same day, the owners of the TV Company sold their shares.48 This raised doubts whether some kind of a criminal agreement took place between the shareholders, buyers of the assets and the officials who sold the state assets.49 The Prosecutor’s Office is currently investigating whether this deal included any wrongdoing. The owners of TV 25 say they were pressured by the Prosecutor’s Office during questioning to make statements that would incriminate former Prime Minister Vano Merabishvili and former Deputy of the Chief Prosecutor of Georgia David Chkhatarashvili in late 2013. A group of NGOs including TI Georgia released a statement calling on the government to investigate the claims of the media owners.50

Broadcasting: 24 hours News: 3 times a day, twice on weekends Talk shows: Monday – Thursday (Dialogue) Coverage area: Batumi, Kobuleti, Khelvachauri, Guria and Samegrelo (except mountainous parts) Cable broadcasting: Satellite throughout Europe, Silk TV, Global TV, Magtisat Staff: 20 Re-broadcasting: Media Union Obiektivi51

45 Interview with TV Odishi on April 28, 2014; 46 Interview with Radio Odishi on June 9, 2014 47 Extract from the National Agency of Public Registry, https://enreg.reestri.gov.ge/main.php?c=mortgage&m=get_output_by_id&scandoc_id=472700&app_id=548314, accessed May 30, 2014; 48 Netgazeti.ge: State Property and TV25 Owners, April 2012, http://www.netgazeti.ge/GE/103/News/9361/, accessed May 2014; 49 TI Georgia: The statement of non-governmental organizations regarding developments related to TV 25, April 2014, http://www.transparency.ge/en/post/general-announcement/statement-non-governmental-organizations-regarding-developments-related-tv-25, accessed May 30, 2014; 50 Ibid. 51 Interview with TV 25, May 8, 2014;

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TV4 (Batumi) TV 4 is a new TV channel launched in the Spring of 2014 on the basis of an advertising company New Media Ajara. In April 2014, the company changed its name to TV4 and since it does not offer advertising services.52 This LTD operates TV station as well as an advertising company. The company’s owners are Ramaz Urushadze (35%), Murtaz Frangulashvili (35%) and Levan Kalandia (30%).53 Since mid-2012 New Media Ajara (as AD agency) has received around GEL 130,000 through simplified procurement contracts from different state institutions. Most of the company’s contracts are for small sums, however, in December 2013 the company was awarded a contract worth GEL 104,999 from the Ajarian Tourism Department for carrying out an information campaign. New Media Ajara also participated in four competitive tenders and won two out of it. 54 Simplified procurement is a method where state contracts are directly awarded to a company without announcing a competitive tender. Direct purchases always attract a special attention because such cases raise questions over potential corruption schemes.

Broadcasting: 24 hours News: twice a day Talk Shows: To be launched on May 26, five times a day Coverage Area: No terrestrial license Cable and Satellite Broadcasting: Satellite, local cable providers in Batumi, SilkTV, to be launched on Caucasus TV Staff: 23 Re-broadcasting: None55

Rioni TV (Kutaisi) The Kutaisi based Rioni TV is owned by Tamar Ghvinianidze, who is a board member of the non-profit organization Bakhiskide. She is not linked to any other businesses according to the company registry.56

TV Broadcasting: 24 hours News: 6 times a day Talk Shows: Monday – Tema (Topic), Tuesday – Obiekturi Azri Coverage Area: Kutaisi and surroundings Cable Broadcasting: Magtisat, Global TV, Silk TV, Imersat, Imereti TV, all local Kutaisi cable providers. Editorial Staff: 60 Re-broadcasting: no news and talk-shows, GPB documentaries, Ertsulovneba’s (Patriarchate’s channel) documentaries.57

52 Batumelebi.ge TV4-new television from April 4, April 2014, http://www.batumelebi.ge/GE/batumelebi/news/29945/, accessed May 30, 2014; 53 Extract from the National Agency of Public Registry, https://enreg.reestri.gov.ge/main.php?c=mortgage&m=get_output_by_id&scandoc_id=660817&app_id=745830, accessed May 30, 2014; 54 State Procurement and Competition Agency: www.tenders.prcurement.gov.ge 55 E-mail communication with TV4, May 21, 2014; 56 TI Georgia Corporation Search website, http://companyinfo.ge/en/people/526625/, accessed May 30, 2014;

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Radio Broadcasting: 24 hours News: 10 times a day Talk Shows: Thursday – Obiekturi Azri Coverage Area: Kutaisi and surroundings Editorial Staff: 15 Re-broadcasting: None58

TV Zari (Samtredia) TV Zari in Samtredia, Imereti, is a family business owned by Otar Tevzadze (50%), his wife Manana Telia (20%), and their sons Gia Tevzadze (15%) and Gocha Tevzadze (15%).59 Gia Tevzadze also owns 33% of the Samtredia-based internet provider V-G-S Network.60

Broadcasting: Mainly re-broadcasting Ertsulovneba (Patriarchate’s channel) News: Tuesday and Friday, three times a day Talk Shows: debates once a month Coverage Area: Samtredia and surroundings Cable broadcasting: local cable providers Editorial Staff: 5 Re-broadcasting: Ertsulovneba61 (Patriarchate’s channel)

Mega TV (Khoni) Mega TV in Khoni is owned by Merabi Kikabidze, who has no other listed business interests.62

Broadcasting: 18 hours News: every day, 4 times a day (2 digests) Talk Shows: once a week; the TV station plans to have news five times a week. Coverage area: Khoni and surroundings Cable Broadcasting: a cable provider in Kutaisi, Silk TV Editorial Staff: 12 Re-broadcasting: none63

TV Gurjaani (Gurjaani) TV Company Gurjaani is owned and directed by Tamar Abelashvili, who does not own any other Georgian companies.64

57 E-mail communication with TV company Rioni, April 23, 2014; 58 Interview with Radio Rioni, June 9, 2014 59 Extract from the National Agency of Public Registry, https://enreg.reestri.gov.ge/main.php?c=mortgage&m=get_output_by_id&scandoc_id=363492&app_id=419440, accessed May 30, 2014; 60 TI Georgia Corporation Search Website, http://companyinfo.ge/en/people/447221/, accessed May 30, 2014; 61 Inetrview with TV Zari, April 25, 2014; 62 TI Georgia Corporation Search Website, http://companyinfo.ge/en/people/512366/, accessed May 30, 2014; 63 Interview with Mega TV, April 25, 2014; 64 TI Georgia Corporation Search Website, http://companyinfo.ge/en/people/507511/, accessed May 30, 2014;

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Broadcasting: 18 News: 6 times a day on Monday-Friday, twice on weekends Talk Shows: Friday – Dzala Udzalota (Power of Powerless) Coverage area: Gurjaani, Kvareli, Signagi, Lagodekhi Cable Broadcasting: Silknet, Magtisat, Global TV and local cable provider Editorial Staff: 15 Re-broadcasting: none65

Metskhre Talga (Poti) Metskhre Talga, a Poti channel is owned by Mamuka Todua (67%) and Gela Zhvania (33%).66 In 2005-2006 Mamuka Todua acted as the Deputy Governor of Samegrelo-Zemo Svaneti Region.67 Todua is a shareholder in Singular Group LTD (30%), IT development company. He owns 30% of AZ-GEORGIA. Todua acted as the director of Argonuts, a Zugdidi-based nuts factory owned by Panamanian shell company Kade Security. 68 Metskhre Talga is also a shareholder (68%) in Radio Harmonia, a local radio station. Remaining 32% are owned by Goderdzi Kartvelishvili, who does not own any other assets.69 Until mid-2013, Zhvania and Todua (via company Inpovesti) also owned TV company Samegrelo,70 which recently lost its license.71 LTD Inpovesti is now in the ownership of Darejan Kvaratskhelia, the director of the TV station. Apart from Inpovesti, Kvaratskhelia also owns Daleni-Studia, a publishing and advertising company.72 Metskhre Talga

Broadcasting: 16 hours News: every day, once a day (repeating twice) Talk-Shows: Friday – Tema (Topic) Coverage Area: Poti and surroundings Cable Broadcasting: 2 local cable broadcasters in Poti Editorial Staff: 12 Re-braodcasting: none 73

65 Interview with TV Gurjaani, April 28, 2014; 66 Extract from the National Agency of Public Registry, https://enreg.reestri.gov.ge/main.php?c=mortgage&m=get_output_by_id&scandoc_id=594365&app_id=674551, accessed May 30, 2014; 67 Civil Service Bureau: Asset Declaration of Mamuka Todua, https://declaration.gov.ge/declarations/saqartvelos%20prezidentis%20rcmunebulis%20samsaxuri%20samegrelo-zemo%20svanetis%20mxareshi/Todua%20Mamuka%202006.pdf, accessed May 30, 2014; 68 TI Georgia Corporation Search Website, http://companyinfo.ge/en/people/431114/, accessed May 30, 2014; 69 Extract from the National Agency of Public Registry, https://enreg.reestri.gov.ge/main.php?c=mortgage&m=get_output_by_id&scandoc_id=198083&app_id=225096, accessed May 30, 2014; 70 In 2014 the Georgian National Communication Commission (GNCC) abolished the license of Samegrelo for suspension of broadcasting for more than 134 days in a year; 71 TI Georgia Corporation Search Website, http://companyinfo.ge/en/people/522142/, accessed May 30, 2014; 72 TI Georgia Corporation Search Website, http://companyinfo.ge/en/people/509574/, accessed May 30, 2014; 73 E-mail communication with Metskhre Talga, April 25, 2014;

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Radio Harmonia

Broadcasting: 16 hours News: 6 times a day Talk Shows: Friday – Tema (Topic) Coverage area: Poti, Khobi, Lanchkhuti, partly Kobuleti Editorial Staff: 8 Re-broadcasting: none74

TV Tanamgzavri (Telavi) Telavi-based TV company Tanamgzavri is owned by Maria Grishikashvili (40%), Vladimer Akhalmosulishvili (20%) and Davit Mania (40%).75 Davit Mania is the only partner involved in other companies.76 He owns Nkonsaltingi, a consulting company previously owned by the former Prime Minister Zurab Noghaideli.77 Mania also acts as the director of Gruppo Via and M.D. Group. Both companies are fully owned by a UNM member of the Parliament, Levan Kardava.78 Levan Kardava’s wife Maka Mania and Davit Mania are registered on the same address in Sokhumi, which is a strong indication that they are siblings.79

Broadcasting: 16 hours News: every day except weekends, 4 times a day Talk Shows: Friday – Dialogi Coverage area: Telavi, Akhmeta, Kvareli Cable broadcasting: Telavi cable provider Gorda Editorial Staff: 7 Re-broadcasting: none 80

Independent TV-company Guria (Ozurgeti) TV company Guria is owned by Mzera-TV (51%) and Khatuna Sioridze (49%).81 Mzera TV is fully owned by Mikheil Chkhartishvili, son of a former Member of the Parliament (2004-2008).

74 Interview with radio Harmony, April 28, 2014; 75 Extract from the National Agency of Public Registry, https://enreg.reestri.gov.ge/main.php?c=mortgage&m=get_output_by_id&scandoc_id=665241&app_id=743738, accessed May 30, 2014; 76 TI Georgia Corporation Search Website, http://www.companyinfo.ge/en/people/483682/, accessed May 30, 2014; 77 Extract from the National Agency of Public Registry, https://enreg.reestri.gov.ge/main.php?c=mortgage&m=get_output_by_id&scandoc_id=47263&app_id=56195, accessed May 30, 2014; 78 Civil Service Bureau: Asset Declaration of Leba Kardava, https://declaration.gov.ge/declaration/48259, accessed May 30, 2014; 79 Central Election Commission Voters Database, www.voters.cec.gov.ge 80 Interview with TV Tanamgzavri, April 25, 2014; 81 Extract from the National Agency of Public Registry, https://enreg.reestri.gov.ge/main.php?c=mortgage&m=get_output_by_id&scandoc_id=473868&app_id=549418, accessed May 30, 2014;

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Vano Chkhartishvili, who also owned the TV company Mze. He sold it shortly after the Rose Revolution.82 Mikheil Ckhartishvili owns Smart Capital Georgia and Smart Investment.83 He and his sister Natia also owned Smart Group, now owned by Pamamanian Pasquino Management.84 Pasquino, which appears to be an offshore company owned by the Chkhartishvili family, also owns Sonata Alliance Georgia. 85 Sonata Alliance is a company involved in a dispute between the Patarkatsishvili family and Vano Chkhartishvili over several assets, including two docks in Poti and a tobacco company.86 Vano Chkhartishvili is also the director of an offshore company Alumax Services. Another director of the company is Revaz Sharangia, a relative of Levan Karamanishvili, the owner of Rustavi 2.87 Shareholders of this company are Sonata Alliance and Teimuraz Aronia, business partner of Karamanishvili. Alumax Services owns Alumax Georgia, which appears to be an energy company, but we were unable to contact the company’s office for confirmation .88 Khatuna Sioridze’s uncle is, reportedly former MP and Chkharitshili’s friend Zaza Sioridze.89

Broadcasting: 15-16 hours news: Every day except weekends, once a day Talk-Shows: Friday – Tkventan Ertad (With You) Coverage Area: Guria Cable broadcasting: Madi (Guria and Poti) Editorial staff: 8 Re-broadcasting: none90

TV Argo (Zestaponi) A Zestaponi TV station, Argo, is owned by eight different individuals. Zurab Lomtadze owns 22% of the company, while his partners, Marina Jugheli, Leri Bitsadze, Jemal Dadesheli, Igor Vetushenko, Lali Mumladze, Luiza Ghavtadze an Nusha Vepkhvadze each own 11%. 91

82 Civil Service Bureau: Asset Declaration of Ivane Chkhartishvili, https://declaration.gov.ge/declarations/saqartvelos%20parlamenti/Chkhartishvili%20Ivane%202008.pdf, accessed May 30, 2014; 83 TI Georgia Corporation Search Website, http://www.companyinfo.ge/en/people/398609/, accessed May 30, 2014; 84 TI Georgia Corporations Search Website, http://www.companyinfo.ge/en/corporations/205216577/, accessed May 30, 2014; 85 TI Georgia Corporation Search Website, http://www.companyinfo.ge/en/people/498455/, accessed May 30, 2014; 86 Radiotavisupleba.ge: Dispute between Chkhartishvili and Patarkatsishvili family continues, June 2013, http://www.radiotavisupleba.ge/content/vano-chkhartishvili/25020386.html, accessed May 30, 2014; 87 Offshoreleaks.icij.org, http://offshoreleaks.icij.org/nodes/226122, accessed May 30, 2014; 88 TI Georgia Corporation Search Website: http://companyinfo.ge/en/corporations/205253125/, accessed May 30, 2014; 89 Media.ge: TV Company Guria Changes Hands, http://www.media.ge/en/portal/news/50343/, accessed May 30, 2014; 90 E-mail communication with TV Company Guria, April 24, 2014; 91 Extract from the National Agency of Public Registry, https://enreg.reestri.gov.ge/main.php?c=mortgage&m=get_output_by_id&scandoc_id=666292&app_id=751460, accessed May 30, 2014;

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Leri Bitsadze owns 20% of a local Zestaponi school Ornati.92 Other shareholders have no other business interests.

Broadcasting: 8 hours News: twice a day Talk-shows: none in the schedule Coverage area: Zestafoni, Terjola, partly Kharagauli and Chiatura Cable broadcasting: ImerTV Editorial staff: 7 Re-broadcasting: GDS entertainment programs93

TV Company Imperia (Channel 9 in Akhaltsikhe) TV Company Imperia is an Akhaltsikhe-based channel, operating under the name Channel 9. It is owned by Nugzar Kachkachishvili (60%) and Omar Samsonidze (40%). None of these individuals have other business interests.94 Until 2011, the company was owned by Zurab Chilingarashvili (40%), a UNM majoritarian MP.95

Broadcasting: 18 hours News: 4 times a day Talk Shows: Thursday – Dialogi (Dialogue) Coverage Area: Akhaltsikhe and surroundings Cable broadcasting: two local cable providers covering parts of Adigeni and Aspindza Editorial Staff: 15 Re-broadcasting: none.96

Imervizia (Chiatura) Imervizia is owned by Tebro Gaprindashvili (13.6%), Ramaz Gamezardashvili (77.4%) and Omari Machavariani (13.6%).97 Omari Machavariani is also a director at Construction company Future Project - Promo.98 None of the other individuals are involved in other companies.

Broadcasting: 24 hours News: twice a day Talk shows: none Coverage area: Chiatura and Sachkhere Cable broadcasting: Silk TV, local cable provider Editorial Staff: 1499

92 TI Georgia Corporation Search Website, http://companyinfo.ge/en/people/517895/, accessed May 30, 2014; 93 E-mail communication with TV company Argo, April 23, 2014; 94 TI Georgia Corporation Search Website, http://companyinfo.ge/en/corporations/224067907/, accessed May 30, 2014; 95 Civil Service Bureau: Asset declaration of Zurab Chilingarashvili, https://declaration.gov.ge/declaration/48079, accessed May 30, 2014; 96 E-mail communication with Imperia, April 24, 2014; 97 Extract from the National Agency of Public Registry, https://enreg.reestri.gov.ge/main.php?c=mortgage&m=get_output_by_id&scandoc_id=352162&app_id=406442, accessed May 30, 2014; 98 Extract from the National Agency of Public Registry, https://enreg.reestri.gov.ge/main.php?c=mortgage&m=get_output_by_id&scandoc_id=526021&app_id=603851, accessed May 30, 2014;

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Re-broadcasting: Ertsulovneba and GDS

Marneuli TV (Marneuli) Marneuli TV is fully owned and directed by Shalva Shubladze, who does not own or manage any other companies.100

Broadcasting: 6 hours News: Every day, twice a day Talk-Shows: To be launched in May Coverage area: Bolnisi, Marneuli, Tetritskaro Cable Broadcasting: Global TV Editorial Staff: 12 Re-broadcasting: GPB news in Azeri language101

LTD Ekomi - L-TV (Lagodekhi) LTD Ekomi, a Lagodekhi-based TV station is owned by Dali Khubulava (40%) and her husband Evgeny Petrusov (60%), none of whom own any other companies.102

Broadcasting: 8 hours News: 3 times a day Talk Shows: Friday – Mravalkutkgedi Coverage Area: Kakheti region except Sagarejo Cable broadcasting: none, Magtisat and Global TV refused amid lack of spots Editorial Staff: 6 Re-broadcasting: GDS103

Egrisi (Senaki) TV company Egrisi is fully owned by Merab Chikobava. He does not own any other companies.104

Broadcasting: 6 hours News: twice a day Talk Shows: none Coverage Area: Senaki, Abasha, Khobi Cable broadcasting: local cable provider Atlantika Editorial Staff: 6 Re-broadcasting: GDS105

99 E-mail communication with Imervizia, April 24, 2014; 100 TI Georgia Corporation Search Website, http://companyinfo.ge/en/people/516264/, accessed May 30, 2014; 101 E-mail communication with Marneuli TV, April 27, 2014; 102 Extract from the National Agency of Public Registry, https://enreg.reestri.gov.ge/main.php?c=mortgage&m=get_output_by_id&scandoc_id=566579&app_id=643961, accessed May 30, 2014; 103 Interview with Ekomi, May 21, 2014; 104 TI Georgia Corporation Search Website, http://companyinfo.ge/en/people/514306/, accessed May 30, 2014; 105 Interview with Egrisi, May 21, 2014;

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Omega (Manglisi) LTD Omega, which holds a broadcasting license for the town of Manglisi, is fully owned by Stereo +. Stereo +, which recently transferred its license to Ertsulovneba, a TV station of the Georgian Orthodox Church, is jointly owned by Giorgi Khitarishvili and Luca Severini.106 Davit Zilfimiani, the owner of Pirveli Stereo (22%) gave up his shares in Stereo + in early 2014. Khitarishvili owns LTD Aiteqi (25%) and LTD Publitali (50%).107 Luca Severini owns 3% of Pirveli Stereo.108 Stereo + announced that it is taking part in a competition for multiplex operators to manage a digital terrestrial network in Georgia.109 Reportedly, Omega does not have its own content and re-broadcasts other stations.110

Radio stations

Radio Hereti (Lagodekhi) Radio Hereti broadcasts in Kakheti region and is fully owned and directed by Ramaz Samkharadze, who does not have other business interests.111

Broadcasting: 24 hours a day Coverage Area: 90% of Kakheti News: 7 times a day Talk Shows: Friday – Khma (Voice) Staff: 20 (5 journalists) Re-broadcasting: Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (until May 2014)112

Radio Atinati (Zugdidi) Radio Atinati, broadcasting in western Georgia, is operated by a non-profit organization Atinati. The organization’s board members are Gia Khasia, his wife Rusudan Khalichava and Irakli Khalichava. None of these individuals are engaged in business activities.113

106 Extract from the National Agency of Public Registry, https://enreg.reestri.gov.ge/main.php?c=mortgage&m=get_output_by_id&scandoc_id=273995&app_id=313878, and https://enreg.reestri.gov.ge/main.php?c=mortgage&m=get_output_by_id&scandoc_id=630877&app_id=713987; media.ge: Stereo + hands radio frequency spectrum license over to Patriarchy television, http://www.media.ge/en/portal/news/301779/, accessed May 30, 2014; 107 TI Georgia Corporation Search Website, http://companyinfo.ge/en/people/387730/, accessed May 30, 2014; 108 Extract from the National Agency of Public Registry, https://enreg.reestri.gov.ge/main.php?c=mortgage&m=get_output_by_id&scandoc_id=617840&app_id=700303, accessed May 30, 2014; 109 Media.ge: Stereo + will take part in digital broadcasting contest, http://www.media.ge/ge/portal/articles/302531/, accessed May 30, 2014; 110 media.ge: Stereo + hands radio frequency spectrum license over to Patriarchy television, http://www.media.ge/en/portal/news/301779/, accessed May 30, 2014; 111 TI Georgia Corporation Search Website, http://companyinfo.ge/en/people/516884/, accessed May 30, 2014; 112 E-mail communication with Hereti, April 24, 2014;

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Broadcasting: 24 hours a day Coverage area: Western Georgia News: every hour Talk Show: Thursdays, 16:05 Staff: 18 Re-broadcasting: Ekho Kavkaza by RFE/RL114

Radio Dzveli Kalaki (Kutaisi) Radio Dzveli Kalaki is based in Kutaisi and is available in certain parts of Imereti, Guria and Samegrelo. It is owned by Ketevan Berdzenishvili (50%) and her husband Irakli Machitadze (50%).115 The latter is also the director of the radio. The two owners are not involved in any other business activities.

Broadcasting: 24 hours a day Coverage area: Imereti, Guria, parts of Samegrelo News: 7 times a day Talk Show: to be launched in May Staff: 15 Re-broadcasting: International news by radio Monte Carlo, 4 hours a day116

Radio Imeri (Zestaponi) A Zestaponi-based station Radio Imeri is operated by an individual entrepreneur Kornely Shugladze, who also owns 50% of LTD Gantiadi-2009.117

Broadcasting: 24 hours a day Coverage area: Zemo Imereti News: none Talk Shows: none Staff: 3 Re-broadcasting: none118

113 Extract from the National Agency of Public Registry, https://enreg.reestri.gov.ge/main.php?c=mortgage&m=get_output_by_id&scandoc_id=556830&app_id=634541, accessed May 30, 2014; 114 Interview with Atinati, April 29, 2014 115 Extract from the National Agency of Public Registry, https://enreg.reestri.gov.ge/main.php?c=mortgage&m=get_output_by_id&scandoc_id=556830&app_id=634541, accessed May 30, 2014; 116 E-mail communication with Dzveli Kalaki, April 30, 2014; 117 TI Georgia Corporation Search Website, http://companyinfo.ge/en/people/487333/, accessed May 30, 2014; 118 Interview with Radio Imeri, April 28, 2014;

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Print and Online

Guria News (Chokhatauri) Guria News is a newspaper covering the region around Chokhatauri. Guria News is published by Chokhatauris Matsne LTD, which is owned by Ia Mamaladze, who is also the board member of Georgia’s Regional Media Association. Her husband Giorgi Sikharulidze is its director. The two also own Gazeti 21-s Kvevit LTD. Mamaladze is also the founder of the non-profit entity Postalioni and owns a limited liability company of the same name.119

Issued: twice a week Editorial Staff: 25 Number of pages: 12 Circulation: 3700-4500 Sold in: mainly for subscribers Webpage: www.gurianews.com, 5853 unique visitors a week 120

Akhali Gazeti (Kutaisi) The Kutaisi-based newspaper Akhali Gazeti, which also operates the online news platform newpress.ge, is fully owned by Ekaterine Bobokhidze who also owns 25% of LTD Avantazhi does not own any other company. 121

Issued: weekly Editorial Staff: 12 Number of pages: 12 Circulation: 2500 Sold in: Imereti Webpage: newpress.ge, 3,500-4,000 unique visitors per day.122

Newspaper P.S. (Kutaisi) Another Kutaisi-based newspaper P.S. is fully owned by Guliza (Nato) Gubeladze. According to public records she doesn’t possess shares in any other businesses.123 Nato Gubeladze told TI Georgia that the newspaper has not received any grants for the last five years and depends on its own income.

Issued: Weekly, on Mondays Editorial Staff: 10 Number of pages: 8 (number of pages reduced from 12 in recent months)

119 TI Georgia Corporation Search Website, http://companyinfo.ge/en/people/513559/, http://companyinfo.ge/en/people/437329/, accessed May 30, 2014; 120 Interview with Gurianews, April 29, 2014; 121 TI Georgia Corporation Search Website, http://companyinfo.ge/en/people/437329/, accessed May 30, 2014; 122 Interview with Akhali Gazeti, May 1, 2014; 123 TI Georgia Corporation Search Website, http://companyinfo.ge/en/people/525314/, accessed May 30, 2014;

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Circulation: 2000 Sold in: Kutaisi, Tbilisi, throughout Imereti Webpage: psnews.ge, 1500-2000 unique visitors per day124

Newspaper Samkhretis Karibche /SK News (Akhaltsikhe and Akhalkalaki) Samkhretis Karibche (Southern Gate) is a newspaper published in Samtskhe Javakheti region. Initially the newspaper was printed in Georgian and Armenian but in February 2014 the Armenian edition was closed due to financial hardship.125 The newspaper is run by a non-profit union, Samkhretis Karibche, directed by Lela Inasaridze. Margarita Akhvlediani and Vardan Akopian are listed as the board members.126 Margarita Akhvlediani also owns LTD Go Group Media, a media organization that holds trainings and develops various projects for journalists.127

Issued: Weekly, Mondays Editorial Staff: 9 Number of pages: 8 Circulation: 1500-2000 Sold in: Samtskhe Webpage: sknews.ge, 1300-1500 unique visitors per day.128

Newspaper Kakheti’s Khma (Telavi) Newspaper Kakheti’s Khma, owned by Maia Mamulashvili, who also is the editor, runs a cafe in the center of Telavi, which was open with the financial assistance of IREX. Mamulashvili also owns another company, “Mamulashivili-free newspaper Kakhetis Khma,” which is non-operational and exists only on the paper. 129 Mamulashvili’s husband Zakaria Iaganashvili was the Chairman of Sakrebulo in Gurjaani municipality until 2012.130

Issued: Weekly Editorial Staff: 7 Number of pages: 12-16 Circulation: 1500 Sold in: local stores Webpage: kakhetinews.ge, 400 unique visitors per day131

124 Interview with P.S., May 1, 2014; 125 Media.ge: Former journalists of Samkhretis Karibche plan to launch an online media outlet, http://www.media.ge/ge/portal/news/302490/, accessed May 30, 2014; 126 Extract from the National Agency of Public Registry, https://enreg.reestri.gov.ge/main.php?c=mortgage&m=get_output_by_id&scandoc_id=248201&app_id=282219, accessed May 30, 2014; 127 TI Georgia Corporation Search Website, http://companyinfo.ge/en/people/481248/, accessed May 30, 2014; 128 Interview with Samkhretis Karibche, May 1, 2014; 129 TI Georgia Corporation Search Website, http://www.companyinfo.ge/en/people/472992/, accessed May 30, 2014; 130 Civili Service Bureau, asset declaration of Zakaria Iaganashvili, https://declaration.gov.ge/declaration/5716, accessed June 4, 2014 131 E-mail communication with Kakhetis Khma, April 30, 2014;

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Newspaper Spektri (Gurjaani) Newspaper Spektri is owned by Maia Kalabegashvili (100%) through Kalabegashvili “Orioni”. She is also a director of the company.132 Kalabegashvili “Orinoni” also operates a publishing house Spektri Print, also known as Pirveli Peri, which was established with financial support from IREX.

Issued: Weekly, on Mondays Editorial Staff: 6 Number of pages: 16 Circulation: 1215 Sold in: Gurjaani, surrounding villages, Kakheti municipality centers Webpage: speqtri.ge, 300 unique visitors per day.133

Qartli.ge (Gori) Website qartli.ge is operated by a non-profit organization association Kartlis Khma. It employees five journalists and has on average 1000 unique visitors per day. Suliko (Saba) Tsitsikashvili is the chair of the board of the association. Other board members are Ketevan Akhalbedashvili, Tea Tedliashvili, Zaira Mazanashvili and Mariam Kovziashvili.134 The association also operated Gori based newspaper Kartlis Khma, but it was closed down in December due to lack of funds.135

Chemi Kharagauli LTD Chemi Kharagauli, which issues a Kharagauli-based newspaper of the same name is fully owned and directed by Laura Gogoladze who does not own any other company.136 The newspaper also operates a website (chemikharagauli.com).

Issued: weekly Editorial Staff: 3 + 24 citizen journalists Number of pages: 8 Circulation: 1600 Sold in: Kharagauli municipality137

Network of Information Centers Kakheti, Mtkheta-Mtianeti and Kvemo Kartli Information Centers (www.ick.ge, www.icmm.ge and www.icn.ge) form a Network of Information Centers (Gela Mtivlishvili, the director, fully

132 Extract from the National Agency of Public Registry, https://enreg.reestri.gov.ge/main.php?c=mortgage&m=get_output_by_id&scandoc_id=575870&app_id=654463, accessed May 30, 2014; 133 E-mail Communication with Spektri, April 29, 2014; 134 Extract from the National Agency of Public Registry, https://enreg.reestri.gov.ge/main.php?c=mortgage&m=get_output_by_id&scandoc_id=311454&app_id=357567, accessed May 30, 2014; 135 Interview with qartli.ge, April 30, 2014; 136 Extract from the National Agency of Public Registry, https://enreg.reestri.gov.ge/main.php?c=mortgage&m=get_output_by_id&scandoc_id=564363&app_id=642158, accessed May 30, 2014; 137 Interview with Chemi Kharagauli, April 30, 2014;

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owns it) that also run a Call Center business.138 It was set up with a financial support from IREX. The information centers employee 9 journalists and 2 editors. Kakheti Information Center (www.ick.ge) has 4-5 thousand unique visitors per day on average, while the other two have some 2 thousand.139

Appendix 1 Revenues of TV Stations (Source: Georgian National Communication Commission)

TV Station City Revenue

s Q1’13 Revenues Q2’13

Revenues Q3’13

Revenues Q4’13

Total revenues 2013

Revenues Q1 2014

TV 25 Batumi 189041 164382 253959 322570 929953 159212

Kvemo Kartli TV-Radio Company

Rustavi 37380 52348 41895 67796 199419 N/A

TV Company Dia

Khashuri N/A N/A 234 4550 4784 N/A

Independent TV Company Guria

Ozurgeti 7176 5911 17569 15831 46488 N/A

Independent TV-Radio Company Odishi

Zugdidi 76324 88481 72622 100225 337653 36377

Independent TV Company Mega TV

Khoni 11158 13096 8673 14915 47843 21613

LTD Omega Manglisi 1600 10451 0 1694 13746 2542

Broadcasting Company Imervizia

Chiatura 6836 14759 23053 29538 74186 N/A

Broadcasting Company Mecxre Talga

Poti 5411 8877 9573 35865 59726 5973

TV Radio Company Trialeti

Gori 54547 62348 93070 81037 291002 59678

TV Company Gurjaani

Gurjaani 44050 42105 23348 38918 234576 N/A

TV Company Egrisi Senaki 9502 19809 19855 22913 72079 22732

138 TI Georgia Corporation Search Website, http://companyinfo.ge/en/people/518655/, accessed May 30, 2014; 139 Interview with Gela Mtivlishvili, June 9, 2014

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TV Company Tanamgzavri

Telavi 7164 11350 8507 16243 43264 N/A

TV Radio Company Borjomi

Borjomi 12350 11338 5494 12016 41198 5596

TV Radio Company Imperia (Channel 9)

Akhaltsikhe 22332 20342 19509 40299 102482 N/A

TV Radio Corporation Argo

Zestaponi 13935 15223 15168 21789 66115 N/A

TV Radio Press Company Zari

Samtredia 6248 39585 16633 7965 70431 N/A

TV Company L-TV Lagodekhi N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A

Marneuli TV Marneuli 9886 44426 26471 35185 115968 22361

Rioni Kutaisi 78526 86272 88617 84801 338216 57521

Revenues of Radio Stations

Radio Station

City Revenues Q1 2013

revenues Q2 2013

revenues Q3 2013

revenues Q4 2013

Total revenues 2 013

revenues q1 2014

Radio Imeri

Zestaponi 2458 3744 2640 3767 12609 4069

Radio Atinati

Zugdidi 17561 23104 21568 19971 82204 20802

Radio Harmonia

Poti 2981 3418 3573 3291 13263 4483

Radio Hereti

Kakheti region

16044 12672 17559 15745 62020 13847

Radio Dzveli Kalaki

Kutaisi 14390 24278 24525 28921 92114 17284

Appendix 2 local municipality budget allocations for regional media outlets

Region Municipality Purpose/clause in the budget

2012 (thousand GEL)

2013 (thousand GEL)

2014 (thousand GEL)

1 Adjara A/R

Adjara A/R TV Ajara (until 2014), newspapers

6 004,7 5 047,0 230,0

3 Imereti Kutaisi Providing 137,6 74,8 100,0

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information services

4 Kvemo Kartli

Bolnisi newspaper Bolnisi 140,395 62,9 55,0

5 Kakheti Gurjaani Gurjaani Municipal Matsne and buying broadcasting time

80,7 83,3 52,5

6 Imereti Samtredia Samtredia Matsne, Information Center

83,2 111,7 111,7

7 Shida Kartli

Gori Publishing services, newspaper “Goris Matsne”

30,0 30,0 30,0

8 Imereti Sachkhere Association “Mass Media,” broadcasting company Imervizia

42.6 35.0 35.0

9 Samegrelo and Zemo Svaneti

Zugdidi Information and publishing activities

53,8 11,7 20,0

10 Imereti Khoni Broadcasting and Publishing activities

58,0 58,0 70,0

11 Kakheti Dedoplistskaro Broadcasting and publishing activities, newspaper “Shiraki”

46,0 55,4 55,4

12 Samegrelo and Zemo Svaneti

Khobi Khobis Moambe 43.8 47.4 35.8

13 Samtskhe-Javakheti

Ninotsminda broadcasting and publishing activities

44.9 44.9 52.0

14 Imereti Tkibuli LTD Tkibulinform 60.0 54.1 40.0

15 Kvemo Kartli

Marneuli TV Marneuli, LTD Akhali Marneuli (newspaper)

40,0 40,0 126,0

16 Imereti Terjola newspaper Terjola 42,9 40,0 42,0

17 Imereti Kharagauli Publishing activities - legal acts

36,0 27,4 25,0

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18 Kakheti Akhmeta Information center - newspaper Bakhtrioni

31,8 35,7 39,9

19 Kakheti lagodekhi TV and radio services

27,0 22,0 25,0

20 Samegrelo and Zemo Svaneti

Abasha Abasha Matsne 26,8 41,2 42,7

21 Samegrelo and Zemo Svaneti

Martvili information brochures and journals, spreading news through mass media

15,7 11,4 15,0

22 Kakheti Sagarejo Sagarejo municipality newspaper

24,5 24,0 25,0

23 Racha Lechkhumi and Kvemo Svaneti

Lentekhi broadcasting and publishing activities

18,6 20,0 20,0

24 Samtskhe Javakheti

Borjomi Information services

18,25 17,5 26,6

25 Samtskhe Javakheti

Akhalkalaki translating Moambe to Armenian

16,0 4,0 12,0

26 Mtskheta Mtianeti

Dusheti Newspaper Dushetis Matsne and purchasing broadcasting time

9,0 1,7 13,8

27 Imereti Baghdati press and information services

2,9 10,0 10,0

28 Racha Lechkhumi and Zemo Svaneti

Oni newspaper services

7,0 7,0 7,0

29 Racha Lechkhumi and Kvemo Svaneti

Tsageri Newspaper Lechkhumi

6,2 6,5 8,5

30 Mtskheta Mtianeti

Tianeti Newspaper Tianetis’s Future

0 0 38,5

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31 Kakheti Kvareli newspaper Kvareli 24,0 25,0 25,0

32 Kvemo Kartli

Gardabani subsidizing TV stations

30,0 15,0 15,0

Sum 7,452 6,064 1,404

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