First Informative Caucasus TV to receive financing in 2012

The Public Television of Georgia will announce renewal of financing of the First Informative Caucasus TV Channel this year, Vzglyad reports.

President Mikheil Saakashvili opened the channel in 2011. Its staff held protests on October 16, demanding financing. They launched a news show where not a single word was said. Financing of the channel was promised in 2012.

Over $30 million were provided for the Public Television of Georgia this year. Over $8 million of the sum were issued for the First Informative Caucasus TV.

The channel was launched to promote Georgia in Russia, especially in the North Caucasus. Saakashvili was the first guest of the channel in 2011. He assured that the government would provide full support and freedom of speech on the channel.

It had regular reorganization and low rating.

Ia Parulava of Imedi TV said that the channel had almost all shows closed due to a lack of financing. Eka Khoperia and Vakhtang Sanaya said that they were not broadcasted. Journalists believe that the true reason is that the channel does not want political disputes.