Influence of Polarization on the Media Environment

Abstract

This study aims to assess the threats and supporting mechanisms present in the Georgian media environment in 2022. Observation of the media environment was based on the evaluation of the participants involved in the research and further comparative analysis. The research highlights the impact of political polarization and crises on media viability and the impact of global and local crises (including Russia's war in Ukraine) on the media environment; it focuses on the extent to which the safety of journalists is ensured in Georgia, how the investigation of crimes committed against journalists is conducted, and what is being done to end any impunity. Based on the challenges that have existed since previous years, the study analyzes the existing threats in relation to polarization, self-censorship, and freedom of expression. How media maintain institutional viability (e.g., financial sustainability, content production, relationships with sources, and access to information) is essential in the context of political polarization. In this process, the hindering and supporting mechanisms present in the media from the side of various actors are evaluated. The study includes an evaluation of solidarity journalism as a support mechanism through the lens of situations observed in 2022: 1. Solidarity towards the media; 2. Mutual solidarity between media outlets; 3. Solidarity from the media towards various vulnerable groups. One of the main aspects of the research is the assessment of the challenges in the Georgian media environment due to Russia's invasion of Ukraine and the following humanitarian crisis. In this regard, under the existing conditions of Russian propaganda, the possible mechanisms of the influence of disinformation and its reduction are analyzed. The direct connection of artificial polarization, as a propaganda mechanism, to the Russian hybrid war, which deliberately de- stroys the credibility of journalism as a profession, is highlighted. The present study analyzes the challenges and supporting mechanisms of the 2022 media environment from the perspective of representatives (reporters, producers, media managers, media owners, journalists, talk show hosts, etc.) in various media outlets. Among them are journalists from different "poles/sides" united by common concerns and different challenges caused by polarization. A qualitative research approach – focus group discussion and in-depth in-interviews – was selected as the research methodology. A discussion guideline with primary semi-structured questions was used as a qualitative research instrument. Secondary questions were identified during the discussion and interviews. The media environment, like in the previous year's (2021) research, was examined based on respondents' evaluations and the reality that has seen them. November and December 2022 were defined as the data collection period. As part of the research, two "offline" focus groups (number of participants: 17) and one online focus group (number of participants: 5) were conducted. Representatives of 13 media outlets participated in these focus groups. Among the participants were journalists, media managers, producers, media founders, writers, and talk show hosts. In parallel with the focus groups, in-depth interviews were conducted with representatives of several media outlets (upon their request). In total, 25 representatives of 16 media outlets participated in the research, whose identities are confidential.