The Georgian Charter of Journalistic Ethics on Wednesday expressed its support for Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (RFE/RL), which recently faced a halt in funding by the Donald Trump administration.
The Charter is urging European Union governments and private foundations to step in and provide financial backing to ensure the continued operation of the renowned news outlet.
The Charter further highlighted Radio Liberty’s “critical role” in providing impartial news and analysis to millions of people across Europe, Central Asia, and the Middle East, regions where access to independent information is often severely restricted.
“Radio Liberty’s presence in Georgia is unparalleled,” the statement read. “After the country regained its independence, Radio Liberty established a local bureau in Tbilisi, which has since become an essential part of the media landscape. The Georgian editorial team, alongside local media, has been instrumental in shaping the modern history of Georgian journalism.”
The Charter also emphasized the media’s challenging environment in Georgia, where the press had “had to operate in a polarized and often oppressive atmosphere.” Despite these challenges, it said, Radio Liberty had upheld high professional standards, becoming a model for emerging journalists and a benchmark for other media outlets in the country.
“Radio Liberty has created a space for free thought and meaningful debate,” the Charter continued. “It regularly receives professional awards and engages with young people through diverse journalism shared on social media. Its role in Georgia is becoming even more critical as other media outlets have been silenced by the government’s actions.”
The Charter also highlighted the growing importance of Radio Liberty, warning that without it, Georgian media would be deprived of a vital independent voice.
“The media landscape in Georgia is already impoverished due to the actions of the Georgian Dream. Without Radio Liberty, the diverse voices of society will be lost.”
In related developments, RFE/RL filed a lawsuit on Tuesday against the United States Agency for Global Media (USAGM) and its officials, seeking to block the cessation of funding approved by the US Congress. The lawsuit, filed in the US District Court for the District of Columbia, argues that the denial of funds violates federal law and the US Constitution.
The move to cut funding came shortly after US President Donald Trump signed an executive order on March 14 to downsize several federal agencies, including the USAGM, which oversees Radio Liberty. Following the order, the agency announced it would terminate the grant allocated to RFE/RL by Congress.
Founded in 1953, Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty broadcasts to nearly 50 million people across 23 countries. Its Georgian service has been on air since March 18, 1953, marking more than seven decades of serving as a critical source of information in the region.
