Tax Amnesty to Embrace National Channels too

The initiative proposed by President Mikheil Saakashvili on the declaration of tax amnesty for televisions is going to embrace national televisions too.

According to the annual parliamentary report, posted on the President's official website Mikheil Saakashvili proposes MPs "a new initiative by which all Georgian TV channels, whether regional or national, will be granted a tax amnesty so that they are able to develop stronger foundations" that is to enhance the Georgian democratic and political culture.

In accordance with the published report tax amnesty is necessary since "due to the small size of the Georgian advertising market and limited financial resources almost all private TV channels exist in a difficult financial context and heavy tax debts."

"Media freedom and pluralism is the foundation for democratic progress. It is very important that all TV channels, regardless of their size and position, broadcast without any obstacles," reads the report by President.

But when initiating tax amnesty for televisions in the course of the report at the February 26 plenary session Mikheil Saakashvili didn't mention national channels, he talked about the regional channels only.

Reporting to Media.ge President's spokesperson Manana Manjgaladze confirmed that President Saaakshvili's initiative is to embrace national TV channels too.

Media experts' assessment regarding President's initiative varies.

According to journalist Zviad Koridze the declaration of amnesty in a selective way is unjustifiable. In addition, he said, amnesty is a general act to embrace the whole of business. It is even more unacceptable when the tax amnesty is being declared for a separate segment of media, private televisions in this particular case.

"It is incorrect since there are newspapers and radios too. If we declare amnesty it is to embrace other means of media too," said Zviad Koridze.

In addition, journalist pointed out, the reason for getting into arrears raises numerous questions since the televisions are funded through local budgets and the funds of regional envoys.

"The funds are spent on salaries but if they go into arrears then we face not only bad management but it is likely to be done in agreement with the local authorities," said Zviad Koridze adding that the reason for arrears shall be examined by the Chamber of Control since the expenditure of budget sums and the relation with the local authorities and the governing party is being concerned.

"Moreover the issue related to the funding of central televisions shall be studied as well since the process is non-transparent. Otherwise we are granting amnesty to the state funds and the money of unclear origin flowing into televisions."

According to the media expert Ia Antadze the society should be aware what the President is compromising with the televisions whose funds are non-transparent and the ownership - vague.

"It is evident for everybody that national channels are used for propaganda. Therefore in order to dispel doubts the information about giving rise to arrears shall become public, this issue assumes more importance since the local elections are scheduled to be held in May," Ia Antadze said.