Opposition leader claims sanctioned TV faces collapse, merger with Rustavi 2 under discussion

Nika Gvaramia, one of the leaders of the Coalition for Change, has claimed that Georgian broadcasters recently placed under international sanctions were facing effective closure and that a merger with Rustavi 2 was under consideration.

Writing on social media, Gvaramia said that all licensed shows and series on the affected channels would be shut down, their social media pages closed, and banking services withdrawn. He argued that no bank would be able to serve the broadcasters and that advertising revenue - including from international brands or companies affiliated with foreign groups - would be severely restricted due to legal and financial risks.

He also claimed that international satellite and online platforms would halt transmission of the channels, while domestic cable providers and Georgia’s digital broadcasting multiplex operator would be unable to carry them.

Gvaramia further alleged that discussions were underway about merging the sanctioned entities with Rustavi 2, a move he described as tantamount to the channel’s effective dissolution. “Everything lies ahead for Rustavi 2 and its founders,” he wrote, suggesting the broadcaster could also face sanctions in the future.