Media Advocacy Coalition responds to appointment of Vasil Maglapheridze to the position of Public Broadcaster Director.

"The coalition believes that the appointment of Vasil Maglapheridze by the Board of Trustees clearly indicates that for the board the priority is not to protect the public broadcaster from political influence.

"The council members and the public listened to many qualified candidates who had a concrete action plan and a critical view. It is unfortunate the Board did not support a truly independent and professional candidate.

"This decision, we belive,  will further tarnish the reputation of the broadcaster and the public trust towards it ," - is said in the letter.