Georgia 12.03.2026: ISFED Reports Channel Circumvention
Tbilisi – Following the imposition of UK sanctions, two prominent georgian television channels, Imedi and POSTV, have been observed attempting to bypass social media advertising restrictions. The International Society for Fair Elections and Democracy (ISFED) has documented this activity, revealing that both channels experienced difficulties promoting content on Meta platforms after the sanctions were introduced. Following the sanctions’ implementation on February 25th, the organisation noted a cessation of advertising posts on the broadcasters’ official social media pages, as indicated by Meta’s Ad Library.
Approximately 1,000 advertisements, totaling nearly $38,000, were placed by Imedi and POSTV in February 2026 alone, representing a record spend for georgian media outlets – over $786,000 between August 2020 and February 25th. ISFED’s monitoring revealed the creation of two new Facebook pages – “POSTV-News” and “POSTV-Insight” – authorized for political advertising on March 4th. “POSTV-News” placed 111 advertisements valued at $493, primarily featuring anti-Western narratives.
These included criticisms of Western involvement in conflicts and accusations targeting Ukrainian authorities, including President Zelensky. The “POSTV-Insight” page, active for only a few days, similarly disseminated anti-Western messaging and targeted opposition figures such as Nino Lomjaria and Tina Khidasheli. Both new channels subsequently disappeared.
Following the cessation of advertising on its main pages, Imedi created a new Facebook page, “Imedi Supporters,” which was also granted authorization to place advertisements. These actions highlight how sanctioned media channels, including Imedi and POSTV, are attempting to circumvent social media restrictions and maintain audience access. ISFED’s findings further underscore the tensions between Tbilisi and London, prompting a UK envoy’s summons to the Georgian foreign ministry.
The case demonstrates the ongoing efforts of civil society organizations despite pressure, as noted by expert Nona Kurdovanidze.
Topics: #channels #georgian #isfed
ISFED’s investigation reveals that Imedi and POSTV, two Georgian television stations, are trying to evade social media advertising limitations. This action occurred after the UK implemented sanctions