With the support of the Friedrich Naumann Foundation for Freedom and the German Foreign Office, Media Voice, an independent media research and advocacy organization, published its annual report, Media Environment 2024: The Fight for Trust and Freedom. The study offers an in-depth analysis of Georgia’s media landscape during a politically charged year, marked by the reintroduction of the controversial “Foreign Agents” law, significant electoral events, and growing societal polarization. Drawing on insights from 23 respondents representing 20 media outlets, the report examines the multifaceted challenges confronting Georgian journalism and provides actionable recommendations to strengthen media freedom, professional integrity, and public trust.

1. The reintroduction of the “Foreign Agents” law in 2024 had profound consequences for media organizations and civil society groups receiving foreign funding, requiring them to register as entities influenced by foreign interests. The law diverted resources from crucial election reporting, fostered self-censorship, and created an atmosphere of fear. Pro-government actors increasingly stigmatized independent journalists, undermining public trust and weakening media pluralism.
   

2. Violence and threats against journalists surged sharply. According to Justice for Journalists, 298 incidents occurred in 2024, four times higher than the previous year, with 72% linked to government officials or their affiliates. Attacks included physical assaults, legal harassment through SLAPPs, and orchestrated online campaigns. On the day of parliamentary elections, 61 attacks were recorded, highlighting the dangerous conditions for journalists.
   

3. The media’s ability to provide critical election coverage was severely constrained. Safety concerns, limited access to public information, and pressure to self-censor, especially in regional areas, reduced investigative reporting and critical analysis.

4. Disinformation, often amplified by Russian actors, flooded the media space, complicating reporting and further straining limited resources. Trolls and bots spread false information, impacting public discourse and trust.

5. Amid these challenges, citizen journalists played an increasingly important role, providing on-the-ground reporting and alternative perspectives. Their contributions highlighted the potential of grassroots journalism to enhance media resilience and pluralism.

The report calls for measures to protect journalists’ safety, promote transparency, foster collaboration across media outlets, prevent the legal instrumentalization of media, and support citizen journalism through resources and training. The study paints a sobering picture of Georgia’s media environment, shaped by restrictive legislation, rising attacks on journalists, and pervasive disinformation. Yet the resilience of media professionals and the rise of citizen journalism offer hope. Implementing these recommendations is essential to safeguarding media freedom and ensuring that journalism remains a cornerstone of democracy in Georgia.