The Communications Commission will conduct a public opinion survey to determine priorities in the field of radio broadcasting. The aim of the survey is to ensure that radio broadcasting licenses are issued according to the listeners’ requests and priorities. The Commission has already announced the tender for the survey. Radio broadcasting priorities will be determined for a two-year period, and the Commission will announce the licensing competition after the completion of the survey. 

The survey will reveal the type of programmes that the listeners prefer, the programmes that people are unable to listen to in various geographical areas, the aspects of radio broadcasting that need to be introduced in Georgia, as well as the quantity, coverage quality and accessibility of radio devices for the local population. 

Opinion polling and qualitative and quantitative research ofresults will take place across 14 regions of Georgia, including Tbilisi, Kakheti, Mtskheta-Mtianeti, Stepantsminda, Shida Kartli, Kvemo Kartli, Samtskhe-Javakheti, Imereti, Samegrelo, Svaneti, Guria and Adjara. Last month, the Communications Commission adopted the new Ordinance on the Zonal Division of Local Broadcasting, which expands the coverage area for private radio broadcasters and facilitates the entry of new broadcasters on the radio broadcasting market. 

The public opinion survey must reflect the public attitudes towards specialised private radio broadcasters, as well as general private radio broadcasters and regional (local) radio stations that focus on local news coverage. 

In accordance with the Law of Georgia on Broadcasting, the Communications Commission will use the public opinion surveyto determine and publish the radio broadcasting priorities. Based on the new zonal division, the Commission will publish the updated information on free frequency resources and hold competitions for private radio broadcasting licenses.