Suspension of media operations

Due to financial difficulties, ‘Formula’ is changing its broadcasting schedule

Due to financial difficulties, the “Formula” television company is changing its broadcasting schedule and reducing its staff. This was announced on the evening of July 5 by the channel’s director, Misha Mshvildadze, during the weekly wrap-up show. He stated that optimization is necessary for the channel to survive the financial crisis and continue broadcasting: “This will be the response to what ‘Formula’ has faced as a result of the government’s major efforts. This is very heavy news, especially for a television station; all of our employees are already like brothers-in-arms. This was not a regular path that this media outlet took—it was an outright battle.”

On July 6, the early morning show did not air. Broadcasting began at 12:00 PM with a modified program called “Gamarjoba Sakartvelo” (Hello Georgia). The host of this show, Irakli Kiknavelidze, stated that “Formula” employees have been working without salaries for months: “For a long time now, we, the employees of ‘Formula’, haven’t known what it means to receive timely and full compensation, but we still manage to do this job in a way that hasn’t affected our ratings—quite the opposite, actually. ‘Formula’ must survive! This broadcast must not go dark! This is our goal, and based on this goal, we are ready to accept any painful decision.”

Part of TV Formula’s Audience Experiences Broadcast Interruption

On May 4, the television network Formula issued a statement regarding a partial interruption in its broadcasting.

“We would like to inform Formula viewers that a segment of our audience is currently experiencing a temporary broadcast interruption. This is due to an outstanding balance with Stereo+—the company responsible for providing Formula’s free-to-air signal to viewers who do not have cable television and receive the channel via digital multiplex. The network’s management is actively working to mobilize the necessary financial resources to fully restore broadcasting as soon as possible. Your support during this process is incredibly important to us. If you wish to help, you can support Formula by making a donation. Thank you for your trust and solidarity,” the statement read.

On May 13, Formula released a follow-up statement announcing that its broadcasting had resumed.

“Ekho Kavkaza” Suspends Operations

On May 1, Ekho Kavkaza, the Russian-language service of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (RFE/RL) which actively covered issues related to the Russian-occupied regions of Abkhazia and Tskhinvali, suspended its operations. The media outlet released a statement regarding the decision on May 3.

Restructuring was cited as the reason for the closure.

“These measures are being taken to maintain RFE/RL’s position as an impactful, relevant, and fiscally responsible organization. We are strengthening our commitment to in-depth journalism—particularly in the areas of investigative and analytical reporting. In this restructuring process, we are saying goodbye to some truly talented colleagues who have dedicated years to RFE/RL’s mission,” said RFE/RL President and CEO Stephen Capus.

Ekho Kavkaza had been operating since 2009, covering developments and issues in occupied Abkhazia and the Tskhinvali region.

The TV channel Euronews Georgia will no longer cover news from Georgia

The TV channel Euronews Georgia is changing its format and, starting in 2026, will no longer cover news from Georgia. In an official statement, the channel linked this decision to financial resources.

“Analysis of the financial situation revealed that, given the trends in the television advertising market in Georgia, the current broadcasting model of the channel cannot generate sufficient financial resources to cover the channel’s operating expenses and the financial obligations under the franchise agreement with Euronews SA. Considering the above factors, a decision has been made, within the company’s strategic development framework, to transition the channel to a new format,” the statement said.

According to the same statement, under the updated model, the main focus will be on international content adapted for the Georgian audience.

Euronews Georgia was founded in 2019 by the international channel Euronews and its partner Silknet. The chairman of Silknet’s supervisory board is businessman Giorgi Ramishvili. The channel began broadcasting in Georgia in 2020. In the past two years, seven media outlets in Georgia have ceased operations for various reasons.

Vasil Ivanov-Chikovani Temporarily Suspended From Hosting Public Broadcaster’s News Program

On February 4, 2025, The Georgian Public Broadcaster temporarily suspended journalist Vasil Ivanov-Chikovani from hosting the 6:00 PM news program Moambe.

The journalist himself shared the news on Facebook. The reason for the suspension was the refusal of Moambe producers to continue working with Ivanov-Chikovani.

“I no longer host the 6:00 PM Moambe. The official explanation – as you may know, at today’s Board of Trustees meeting, the producers of Moambe expressed their position regarding your public statements (including those made on air) and declared their refusal to continue working with you as a host,” the journalist wrote.

The Media Advocacy Coalition responded to the incident, expressing solidarity with Vasil Ivanov-Chikovani and all his colleagues who are fighting for editorial independence and responsible journalism at the Public Broadcaster.

“The Media Advocacy Coalition condemns the Public Broadcaster’s leadership for the temporary suspension of Vasil Ivanov-Chikovani from anchoring the news. This decision aims to silence an objective, impartial journalist who actively supports Georgia’s European path, along with his colleagues,” the coalition stated.

Update: On February 26, 2025, the Moambe news program on the Public Broadcaster’s First Channel was hosted by a new anchor, Lasha Berdzenishvili, instead of Vasil Ivanov-Chikovani.

“Mtavari Arkhi” Broadcast Suspended

On February 15, 2025, Mtavari Arkhi’s broadcasting was suspended. According to a statement released by the TV station, all programming has been halted due to a financial crisis allegedly manufactured by Zaza Okuashvili, the channel’s co-founder.

Mtavari Arkhi had already issued a statement a few weeks earlier about an escalating internal conflict between the founders.

It is worth noting that the broadcasting sector is facing serious challenges. This year alone, two regional broadcasters have already ceased operations. In such a context, the suspension of independent media outlets significantly harms an already fragile pluralistic media environment.

Journalist Removed from Broadcast After Criticizing Public Broadcaster’s Policy

On March 23, 2025, it became known that Ani Jobava, a journalist and contributor to the morning program at the Georgian Public Broadcaster — where she had worked for seven years — was removed from on-air duties. The journalist announced the news on social media.

She links the decision to her critical stance toward the channel’s editorial policy.

“Hi, I’m Ani Jobava, a journalist for the Public Broadcaster’s morning show. I was not called in… First they excluded me from meetings, then cut off communication, and that’s how it went for over a month and a half,” Jobava wrote on social media.

Ani Jobava is one of the journalists who signed a staff statement condemning and protesting violence against fellow citizens and colleagues. The statement also called for the broadcaster’s airtime to be used for amplifying public opinion and encouraging open debate.

Similar to Ani Jobava, the broadcaster’s management also removed news anchor Vasil Ivanov-Chikovani from the air. He, too, has been critical of the Public Broadcaster’s editorial direction.