Opposition politician calls for free media rescue fund backed by business

Opposition politician Roman Gotsiridze has called for the creation of a fund to support independent media, urging businesses to take the lead in its establishment.

Gotsiridze said television stations should openly acknowledge the risk of closure and encourage society, particularly the business sector, to help ensure their survival.

“A little civic courage from our business community would not hurt. They should advertise in critical media and provide financial support in whatever way they can, or they will eventually face the repressive apparatus alone,” Gotsiridze said.

He added that the media, the opposition, and civil society should be grateful if businesses have not yet been forced to confront these pressures directly.

“A free media rescue fund is necessary, and it is up to business to initiate it,” Gotsiridze concluded.