Georgian
Parliament has adopted a bill regarding Must Carry principles with the second
reading, with 81 votes.
According to the amendments, the Must Carry policy obliges the cable TV
operators to transmit the public broadcaster and every TV Company, which have
license according to the Georgian law “About broadcasting”, in the pre-election
period. The changes would go into effect as soon as the election date is
announce by the president and last for around two-months until the end of
elections.
Also, except the period from announcing the election date till the
elections, the Must Carry principles will be in effect in case of second round
and also, during the by-elections.
Moreover, if the cable broadcasters will not implement transition of TV
channels within one day after announcing the election date, they will receive
reprimand. Non-eradication of this violation within three days after the
receipt of the notice or repeated violation of this obligation will lead to
deprivation of authorization for one year.
In addition, the issue of imposing administrative penalty in such cases
will be discussed by the National Communication Commission within 48 hours
after the reveal of the fact.
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