Georgian Technical University asks TV Companies “Rustavi 2” and “Imedi” to Apologize

Georgian Technical University responds to the stories aired today on the news programs “Kurieri” and “Kronika” of the TV companies “Rustavi 2” and “Imedi,” and categorically denies the disseminated information, in which the authors of the stories claim that the study conditions at the Georgian Technical University are inappropriate and the infrastructure does not meet academic standards. These stories contain factual errors, distorted assessments, and clear disinformation, which intentionally create a false impression in the public regarding the university’s activities, infrastructure, and educational environment.

The assertions voiced in the stories regarding unrenovated lecture halls and the unsanitary or emergency condition of sanitary facilities are not based on real facts and are not supported by objective evidence. To visually “confirm” these statements, video footage was used that was filmned in the corridor of the Second Building of the Georgian Technical University and depicts neither lecture halls nor sanitary facilities, which willfully or unwittingly misleads the viewer.

Despite the fact that the authors of the story were present at the university, they did not ask questions regarding the situation in the 2nd Academic Building; otherwise, they would have known that the teaching process has not been conducted in the GTU 2nd Building for several months. Parallel to the Second Academic Building, the 6th Academic Building was shown, where approximately 600,000 GEL has already been spent on reinforcement works (which are still ongoing today) and the drafting of a reconstruction project. After receiving this information, the journalists would not have been able to prepare, and consequently, would not have been able to disseminate stories of such content. It seems the truth did not suit them, and they attempted to tarnish the image of the Georgian Technical University at the expense of misleading the viewer, which they succeeded in doing.

For information, the total area of the Georgian Technical University is 187,547.9 sq/m, the total educational area constitutes 108,678.9 sq/m, and the total auxiliary area is 78,868.955 sq/m. The “Rustavi 2” and “Imedi” teams, at their own request, filmed the HUAWEI laboratory, the Renewable Energy laboratory, the Solar Power Station, the Electronic Engineering laboratory, and several other teaching-research laboratories equipped in accordance with international standards located in the 8th Academic Building at the Faculty of Energy. This represents only a small part of the Georgian Technical University’s laboratory base, which is equipped and furnished in accordance with modern standards. Unfortunately, the journalists from “Rustavi 2” and “Imedi” did not use a single one of these shots when constructing the story and focused their attention only on infrastructure that is not used for teaching or research processes at all, and where repair works are currently ongoing or planned.

The Georgian Technical University emphasizes and explains once again that the visual material used in the stories does not reflect the real condition of either the lecture halls, the laboratories, or the sanitary facilities. Despite this, contrary conclusions are drawn in the stories, which constitutes an attempt to mislead the viewer and directly contradicts the Law of Georgia “On Broadcasting” (Articles: 52, paragraph “c” – the obligation to clearly distinguish facts and comments in programs; 54 – the broadcaster’s obligation to ensure the accuracy of information and proper verification of facts; 56 – the right of the interested party to reply and correct information; 59 – the inadmissibility of misleading the viewer) and the fundamental principles of journalistic ethics, particularly the norms of accuracy and objectivity.

The Georgian Technical University considers that these stories represent intentional discreditation and an attempt to manipulate public opinion, especially against the background of information recently circulating in the media regarding the possible merger of the Georgian Technical University and Tbilisi State University.

The Georgian Technical University categorically demands from the TV companies “Rustavi 2” and “Imedi”:

1. Publicly apologize to the Georgian Technical University;

2. Publicly update and correct the information in the same news broadcast with similar duration;

3. In the future, ensure the verification of information and observe both the applicable legislation and professional journalistic ethical standards.

The Georgian Technical University reserves the right, in the event of failure to fulfill these demands, to apply to the Georgian National Communications Commission (ComCom) and use all legal mechanisms to protect its reputation, dignity, and lawful interests.