Media Environment 2023: Challenges during Political Polarization and Crisis in Georgia

The purpose of this study is to describe and assess the media environment in Georgia in
2023 and to identify the threats and support mechanisms that affect the media viability
in Georgia.
The study highlights the impact of political polarization on the media, journalistic activities,
product quality and media credibility amid global and local challenges. It analyzes how
the media manages to maintain institutional viability (e.g. financial sustainability, content
production, relationships with sources and access to information) in the context of political
polarization. In doing so, it assesses the obstacles and support mechanisms in the media
on the part of various actors (ruling and other political parties, the civil society sector and
media consumers, the business sector, international organizations and donors).
As in previous years, the study provides an evaluation of solidarity journalism as a support
mechanism through the lens of situations observed in 2023: 1. Solidarity towards the
media; 2. Mutual solidarity between media outlets; 3. Solidarity from the media towards
various vulnerable groups.
The study highlights how the media operates under political polarization and how it copes
with the challenges of Russian disinformation. Additionally, another facet of the research
involves analyzing the role and transformation process of the media environment within
the context of Georgia’s European integration.
Key developments that have influenced the media agenda and environment are highlighted
at the beginning of the study.