Media and Political Transformation: The Newspaper “Free Georgia” in 1990 – 1991

Abstract

The transformation of the political system carried out in 1990–1991 was sharply reflected in the socio-political newspaper “Free Georgia”, published by the political association “Round Table – Free Georgia”. The first issue of the newspaper was printed on October 23, 1990. This period represents a turning point in the socio-political life of Georgia. After seventy years of communist rule, the reform policies introduced by the Soviet authorities, known as perestroika, significantly strengthened the national liberation movement in Georgia. This process laid the foundation for fundamental political changes, the dismantling of Soviet governance, and the adoption of an independent, democratic, and pro-Western development path. For the first time in Soviet-era Georgia, multi-party elections were held on October 28, 1990, representing a major milestone in democratization. The anti-communist coalition "Round Table – Free Georgia," which united national political forces, won the elections. Its leader, Zviad Gamsakhurdia, was later elected as Georgia’s first president on May 26, 1991. ,, Free Georgia“ was initially established as an electoral platform and later developed into a socio-political newspaper reflecting the coalition’s ideological and programmatic positions. Operating from 1990 to 1996, it systematically covered the socio-political developments of the period. Despite political crises, the newspaper remained loyal to its initial course and consistently upheld its editorial policy. Published weekly in an eight-page format, it produced a total of 135 issues. Initially described as “socio-political” publication, it later emphasized its affiliation with the “Round Table,” thereby clearly highlighting its political orientation. The editorial board included the coalition’s leader, Zviad Gamsakhurdia, along with other representatives: Mukhran Machavariani, Nodar Tsuleiskiri, Guram Petriashvili, Temur Koridze, and Tedo Paatashvili. Over time, the editors included Mamuka Pachuvashvili (from 1990), Marika Abaishvili (from 1991), and Tamar Ebralidze (from 1992), reflecting the organizational structure and evolving dynamics of the publication. The study focuses on the 1990 - 1991 issues, when Georgia transitioned from the Soviet communist regime to an independent, democratic, and pro-Western political model. Key events included the 1990 multi-party elections, the independence referendum on March 31, 1991, the adoption of the Act of Independence on April 9, 1991, and the first presidential election on May 26, 1991. These developments were accompanied by escalating political crises, culminating in the military coup of December 22, which violently displaced the national government. Operating under independent journalism principles, the newspaper actively reported on socio-political developments and served as the ideological platform of the most influential political force of the period. It maintained a clear anti-communist stance, supported Georgian independence, and emphasized national identity, historical memory, and cultural values. During the pre-election period, the newspaper consistently covered electoral issues and Supreme Soviet candidates. As events unfolded, its coverage expanded to include politics, economy, agriculture, education, culture, and the arts, framing these topics within the broader context of political transformation. It supported the anti-communist Velvet Revolutions in Eastern Europe and consistently reported on significant international events related to Georgia’s transition. The study examines how early 1990s socio-political transformations were reflected in,, Free Georgia“, which thematic and discursive frameworks dominated the publication, and how political reality was constructed. Despite the importance of the topic, it has not previously been the subject of focused scholarly study. The research draws on archival materials, qualitative content analysis, and discourse analysis. Framing theory is employed as the theoretical framework, enabling the identification of media practices in the construction of reality, as well as the mechanisms of narrative and ideological positioning. The Findings indicate that the newspaper was dominated by a clear anti-communist and national liberation discourse, portraying political processes as necessary stages in historical transformation and the restoration of state independence. Key frames included independence, national identity, democratic transformation, and threat (toward the Soviet system and opposition forces). The analysis suggests that,, Free Georgia“ not only reflected events but also played a significant role in interpreting them, using diverse journalistic approaches, genres, and formats to shape public opinion. ,, Free Georgia“ actively participated in the transformation of the political system and the attainment of national independence, highlighting the media’s influence on Georgia’s democratic development.