Partnership with Rustavi 2 “Out of the Question” — Nenad Pejić

Editor-in-Chief and Vice-President of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (RFE/RL) Nenad Pejić has confirmed that they are no longer considering a partnership with Rustavi 2. Pejić was in Georgia last week to allay the concerns of a number of local NGOs following their publication of an opening letter demanding answers. Their concerns were over reports that RFE/RL was pressuring its Georgian branch, Radio Tavisupleba, to cooperate with Rustavi 2.  

At a private meeting, Pejić assured the representatives of the organizations that Radio Tavisupleba’s editorial policy will remain unchanged, Natia Kuprashvili, the Head of the Journalism Resource Centre, told Liberali. 

“The Vice-President said they want to have a wider reach and better results, which is very logical from the management. He did not speak about firing anyone from the staff. Quite to the contrary, that it’s important to improve their work, train them, and achieve better results”, Kuprashvili said.

The new management of Radio Tavisupleba will reportedly be selected through an open call following the dismissal of its previous head, Davit Kakabadze, and the resignation-in-protest of bureau chief Marina Vashakmadze. 

By Máté Földi