The Georgian Parliament has approved amendments to the Law on Broadcasting, overturning presidential objections that had put the proposal in jeopardy.

The Georgian Public Broadcaster (GPB), with support from the EBU, argued that the amendments bill was necessary to allow it to work more efficiently and increase its independence both politically and financially.

The new regulations mean that content-related contracts - for the acquisition, development, production or co-production of programme material - are now exempt from the normal public procurement rules. 

GPB will also be able to receive additional revenue from commercial advertising and will be allowed to place commercials throughout its airtime, apart from in primetime and on holidays 

GPB was supported by the EBU's Legal and Member Relations Departments. 

Head of Member Relations, Eastern Europe, Radka Betcheva said: "We hope the adoption of these critical amends will help ease some of GPB's current difficulties and support further reforms at the broadcaster.

"GPB is in the process of transforming itself and the new regulations will help it fufil its important role to society."