Results of Media Monitoring For 2018 Presidential Elections

25 October, a meeting held by the EU and UNDP discussed the interim results of media monitoring of the 2018 presidential elections from 18 June to 15 October.

The event was attended by Carl Hartzell, Ambassador of the European Union to Georgia, and Munkhtuya Altangerel, UNDP Resident Representative a.i. In Georgia, as well as other representatives from the Civic Development Institute, Internews Georgia, and the Georgian Charter of Journalistic Ethics.

The research covered media reportage of the elections and presidential candidates across press and online media, radio stations, TV news, and talk shows.

According to the panel, the quality of reporting has improved since last year. There is notably more balanced reporting as well as less hate speech (with the exception of online reporting). However, speakers underlined the need for more investigative journalism and critical analysis.

The media is an essential pillar of democratic elections. Generally, Georgian media has reported negatively towards all candidates without providing the public with in-depth reports into the manifestos of candidates.

The EU and UNDP have monitored reporting of the presidential elections in Georgia since 2010. Further findings will be discussed in December.

By Amy Jones