In its decision, the GNCC explained procedures for broadcasting public service announcement, ordered the Public Broadcaster to examine the September 28, 2012 application of GYLA and issued warning against the broadcaster in the form of a sanction.

 

On September 28, 2012, GYLA formally applied to the legal entity of public law Public Broadcaster and pursuant to the law of Georgia on Broadcasting requested placement of a public service announcement about prohibition of torture on air. With its letter dated October 8, 2012, the public broadcaster informed us that the video did not constitute a public service announcement as it failed to meet the stipulations of para.”pp”, Article 2 of the Law of Georgia on Broadcasting. 

 

GYLA explained in written to the public broadcaster that it must broadcast a public service announcement without examining or interfering into contents of the video but rather, it must make any assessments in compliance to the stipulations of the law on Broadcasting and the law on Advertising of Georgia. 

Nevertheless, the public broadcaster failed to comply with stipulations of the law.

 

We believe that the GNCC’s decision will serve as an important precedent, which will prevent any future problems related to placement of public service announcements for broadcasters as well as for advertisers.