Media Freedom

Media Environment 2023

Assessing Georgia's Media Environment in 2023: Navigating Challenges and Support Mechanisms

This study offers a comprehensive examination of Georgia's media landscape in 2023, focusing on the key challenges and support mechanisms influencing media viability. It explores the impact of political polarization on journalistic practices, content quality, and media credibility amidst both global and local challenges.

The research delves into how media outlets strive to maintain institutional viability—such as financial stability, content production, and relationships with sources—in an increasingly polarized environment. It also evaluates the roles various actors, including political parties, civil society, the business sector, and international organizations, play in either hindering or supporting media efforts.

Building on previous analyses, the study continues to evaluate solidarity journalism as a crucial support mechanism. This includes examining solidarity towards the media, mutual support among media outlets, and the media's role in advocating for vulnerable groups.

Additionally, the study investigates how the media contends with Russian disinformation and analyzes the evolving role of the media within the framework of Georgia’s European integration. The study begins by highlighting key developments that have shaped the media agenda and environment over the past year.

The study was conducted as part of the project “Media Environment 2022: Threats and Supportive Instruments during Political Polarization and Crisis” with the support of Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Freedom South Caucasus Office. The authors take all responsibility for the content of the research. The opinions expressed may not necessarily reflect the views of the donor organization. It is prohibited to copy, reproduce, or distribute the material for commercial purposes without written permission from the Media and Communication Educational and Research Center “Media Voice”.