DW Akademie in Georgia

Television is the most widely used information source in almost all regions of Georgia. Most local stations, however, are currently facing major problems in terms of financing and quality content. Broadcasters also know little about their viewers' interests and as a result find it difficult to retain viewers.

Our activities

Ensuring the quality and viability of local media

To provide various population groups with relevant, quality information, DW Akademie is working with a number of local Georgian stations to improve audience retention and the quality of reports.

Through audience surveys and discussions with editors and the public, stations are learning more about their viewers' interests and concerns and taking them into account when developing programs. Through training, consulting and an upcoming media e-school, DW Akademie is also strengthening local broadcasters in the areas of management and marketing, and in developing viable business models.

Easing tensions, avoiding conflicts

Ethnic and religious conflicts are rife in the South Caucus, with minorities facing widespread public prejudices fueled by national media. The resulting isolation of minorities – especially in rural areas – leads to a lack of prospects and at times to radicalization. This in turn appears to confirm existing stereotypes.

Georgia also has a huge urban-rural divide. The concerns of the rural population and the country's ethnic, religious and linguistic minorities are largely ignored by the media and as a result, much of Georgia's population is underrepresented or portrayed as stereotypes.

Community media as a mouthpiece for the rural population

DW Akademie is working with various community media with a goal to focus on issues important to minority groups. Community media can this way offer better prospects and counter radicalization and conflicts. Independent, well-connected and trained journalists can offer minorities and rural population groups opportunities to access relevant information, and for communities to present themselves to the outside world and dispel long ingrained stereotypes.   

Creating networks and improving the quality of community journalism offer Georgia's rural population and minorities the opportunity to have their voices heard and claim their fundamental right to freedom of information.

Funding: German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ)

Program Director: Katrin Wehry

Locations: Tbilisi and rural provinces throughout Georgia

Local partners: Network of Information Centers, Media Development Foundation, Georgia Institute of Public Affairs

Focus: Professionalization, civic participation, local media, community media, media and information literacy (MIL), networking, journalism education