OSCE media freedom representative calls on Georgian broadcasters to abide by ethical standards of journalism

VIENNA, 15 March 2010 - The OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media, Dunja Mijatovic, today reminded Georgian broadcasters that they should abide by the professional code of conduct to which they have committed themselves.

In reference to a controversial fake report carried on the night of 13 March by Georgia's privately owned Imedi television channel, Mijatovic said: "My mandate as OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media does not allow me to deal with media content. However, I must underline that this particular issue is not about content; it is about irresponsible journalism and the impact it may have on media freedom and security."

Imedi's 30-minute long report, which was reported to have spread panic among the Georgian public, claimed that President Mikheil Saakashvili had been assassinated and that Russian troops were advancing toward Tbilisi.

Contravening the Georgian broadcasters' professional code of conduct, the report carried no clear warning that it was fictitious. Only a brief notice before it began said it was a simulation of possible events. To those viewers who had missed the start of the broadcast, the report appeared genuine.

"I commend Georgia's National Communications Commission for its swift condemnation of the Imedi report and I hope that similar incidents will be avoided in the future," Mijatovic said.

"Broadcasters and other media outlets ought to behave responsibly and not mislead the public by spreading false information. This is of particular importance in Georgia and other countries whose societies may be more prone to alarm due to recent armed conflicts."

"This incident shows that self-regulation principles and mechanisms, which are an essential tenet of freedom of speech, need to be expeditiously enhanced and strengthened. My Office is ready to assist Georgia in this endeavour," Mijatovic added.