Estonian scholarship programme supports Georgian journalists

Georgian media faces numerous obstacles, such as restricted freedom of expression, censorship, lack of professionalism and unstable funding sources. The project, implemented in cooperation with the Estonian Association of Journalists and Go Group Media, supports Georgian journalists who, despite the challenges, have factually and ethically covered topics important to society. In addition to the scholarship programme and the study visit to Estonia, the seven-member jury of Estonian and Georgian journalism experts recognised outstanding reporting in Georgian media with the Shuki Award.

Helle Tiikmaa, head of the media project and chairman of the Estonian Association of Journalists, said that high-quality journalism, with its ethical rules and democratic norms, is the foundation of every prosperous country and must be protected. "Rewarding independent, high-quality journalists in Georgia who adhere to ethical values ​​helps and encourages them to continue their work, but also signals to the public who can be trusted in the media," said Tiikmaa.

The Shuki Award

Estonian ambassador to Georgia Marge Mardisalu-Kahar, speaking at the closing event of the media project in Tbilisi, said that a free press is the backbone of democracy. "In Estonia, the public media criticises the government without fearing the consequences. I hope Georgian journalists can also move in this direction," said Mardisalu-Kahar.

The 2024 Shuki Award laureates are Tako Peikrishvili, Eka Kevanishvili, Tskrial Shermadini with Nino Zuriashvili, Temo Inasaridze, Kate Tutberidze, Aidan Yusif with Mariam Kachkachashvili and Manana Ghoghoberidze, Ia Asatiani, Nuka Stepnadze, Nastasia Arabuli, Nino Tsverava, Gela Mtivlishvili and Jaba Ananidze.

Some of their coverage included stories on corruption at the local and national levels, the hypocrisy of government politicians and their collusion with Russian oligarchs, employment problems in rural areas, and the funding of para-athletes.

Shuki Award jury member Zviad Koridze said that although journalists are not always valued, the press has an irreplaceable role in society.

According to Koridze, all journalists who applied for the award are highly dedicated to their profession. "Corruption is a particularly important topic at the moment, and the role of the press is to bring all the facts to the public," said Koridze. “The quality level of stories by local journalists was high, and if we can continue in the same spirit, we will be able to fulfil the role of the government watchdog even better."

Twelve articles and video stories received the Shuki Award. ESTDEV project manager Marika Kundla confirmed that the one-time reward of 1,000 euros was an important source of motivation for journalists.

"The announcement of the journalism award motivated several journalists to take on difficult social issues such as corruption and the relations of state officials with Russian oligarchs. This award recognises the commitment of journalists and encourages others to follow their example, which in turn contributes to promoting a vital part of democracy—a free and responsible media landscape," said Kundla.

Media programmes in development cooperation

ESTDEV's programme manager for Democracy and the Rule of Law, Eva-Maria Liimets, said democracy cannot exist without freedom of speech and a free press. "Only with the help of an independent and fearless press can people get feedback on how the government functions and the situation with corruption and abuse of power," said Liimets. Unfortunately, publishing the truth is punishable in many countries, and journalists are suppressed and intimidated. "In countries where the safety of journalists is at risk, international programmes to support journalists are the only way to continue their professional career," said Liimets.

Liimets added that with the scholarship programme, Estonia wants to help raise the general quality of journalism in Georgia and to motivate journalists to maintain independence when reporting. "Both our meetings and the recent analysis of the Baltic Media Center confirm that international scholarship programmes help independent media to function and strengthen developing democracies. This is especially relevant for investigative journalism," said Liimets.

ESTDEV’s executive director, Klen Jäärats, said that the local press keeps the closest eye on authorities. "This is a very important job, and we hope journalists will be able to keep their jobs in a pro-European Georgia," said Jäärats.