The Communications Commission (ComCom) published new data revealing that Georgia’s commercial television and radio advertising market contracted by 12.1% in the second quarter of 2025. Overall revenue fell from GEL 20 million (USD 7.4 mln) in Q2 2024 to GEL 17.6 million (USD 6.5 mln), with television taking the largest hit.
Market trends:
- Television advertising revenue fell 13% year-on-year to GEL 15.6 million (USD 5.8 mln).
- Radio advertising dropped 6% to GEL 2 million (USD 750,000).
- In both sectors, direct ads made up the bulk of income, followed by sponsorships and product placement.
Despite the decline, pro-government broadcasters continued to dominate the market:
- Imedi TV – GEL 5.4 mln (USD 2 mln), down by 10%.
- Rustavi 2 – GEL 2.6 mln (USD 1 mln), down by 10%.
- POSTV – GEL 1.6 mln (USD 600,000), up by 15%.
Opposition-minded and independent outlets:
- TV Pirveli – GEL 1.6 mln (USD 600,000), up 52%, leading in growth among GD-critical channels.
- Formula TV – GEL 1.4 mln (USD 520,000), up 18%.
- Both have grown in prominence since Mtavari Channel shut down on May 1 after prolonged internal disputes.
Other broadcasters:
- BM.GE – GEL 1 mln (USD 370,000), up 14% YoY.
- Public Broadcaster – GEL 0.2 mln (USD 75,000), down 71% YoY.
- GDS TV – GEL 0.6 mln (USD 220,000), unchanged.
- Silknet – GEL 0.3 mln (USD 110,000), up 33% YoY.
- Silk Media – GEL 0.1 mln (USD 37,000), unchanged.
- Other TV stations combined – GEL 0.9 mln.
The release of these statistics comes during growing concern over the financial sustainability of media that is critical of Georgian Dream. Pressure has intensified since April 2025, when Parliament passed controversial amendments to the broadcasting law, granting ComCom greater authority to regulate content, impose sanctions, and restrict funding for TV and radio outlets.
