On 24 February 2026, the United Kingdom imposed sanctions on the pro-government propaganda television channels “Imedi” and “POSTV” for deliberately spreading false information about Russia’s full-scale war against Ukraine. The UK used the existing sanctions regime against Russia as the legal basis for sanctioning these media outlets, effectively designating them as participants in the information war in support of Russia and aiming to restrict such activities through financial restrictions.

British sanctions also restrict television broadcasters from generating revenue through advertising. Media monitoring conducted by Transparency International Georgia has shown that dozens of local and international brands purchase  (the precise list can be found in Table #1) advertising time on propagandistic channels. Accordingly, it is important that companies and private individuals are fully aware that any form of assistance provided to sanctioned television broadcasters in circumventing sanctions imposed by the United Kingdom may constitute grounds for the imposition of secondary sanctions against them.

• What does a UK sanction mean and how does it work?

The scope of UK sanctions extends beyond the jurisdiction of the United Kingdom itself. They impose specific restrictions and prohibitions that can apply outside its territory and create the risk of secondary sanctions for any companies or businesspersons who continue cooperating with sanctioned entities or decide to enter into new transactions with them. Therefore, in order to avoid the risk of secondary sanctions and significant reputational damage, sanctions imposed by the United Kingdom are generally respected across the Western world, particularly within the Western financial system.

Given that the Georgian banking system is integrated into the Western financial system, it must comply with these rules. This means that Georgian banks (not only those listed on the London Stock Exchange, such as TBC Bank and Bank of Georgia) are expected to freeze the accounts of the sanctioned television channels and refuse to provide them with any financial services. Otherwise, they would risk exposing their own businesses to serious consequences.

• What problems will the UK sanctions create for “Imedi” and “POSTV”?

Alongside the freezing of accounts and the restriction of banking services, the sanctioned propaganda channels will face a number of additional challenges. In particular:

• They will no longer be able to receive revenues - including advertising income - through bank transfers;
• They will be unable to pay salaries to their employees;
• They will no longer be able to purchase foreign TV series;
• International licenses for entertainment programs will be revoked;
• All services related to broadcasting that the sanctioned TV companies receive from Western companies or Georgian companies with Western partnerships will be reviewed;
• They will lose accreditation for journalistic activities in Western countries;
• Their use of social media will be restricted, including the ability to run advertisements;
• They will be unable to obtain loans or secure new funding;
• They will not be able to sell or lease property they own;
• They will be unable to purchase or lease technical equipment;
• They will not be able to pay utility bills through bank transfers;
• They will face difficulties obtaining and paying for any other services necessary for the normal functioning of their business, such as insurance, telecommunications services, legal services, and accounting services;
• Their employees will face increased difficulties in obtaining bank loans.

It is important to note that the risk of secondary sanctions will apply to any company or individual who assists the sanctioned television channels in circumventing the restrictions imposed on them.

• What consequences could arise from assisting “Imedi” and “POSTV”?

It is crucial for companies to be fully aware that any form of assistance provided to sanctioned television channels in circumventing the sanctions imposed by the United Kingdom may constitute grounds for the imposition of secondary sanctions against them. Compliance with sanctions is continuously monitored by the relevant authority of the UK government.

Moreover, following the imposition of UK sanctions, “Imedi” and “POSTV” have become subjects of scrutiny by investigative journalists and organizations worldwide that monitor sanctions compliance. Through their efforts, the identities of individuals and companies that assist these television channels - known for spreading Russian propaganda - in evading sanctions are unlikely to remain undisclosed.

Accordingly, all Georgian companies and individuals should refrain from providing “Imedi” and “POSTV”, either directly or indirectly, with any form of funds, services, or benefits. Otherwise, such individuals and companies may themselves become targets of secondary sanctions.

• Support from the “Georgian Dream” for Propaganda Media and the Risk of Black Money Circulation

The reactions of the leaders of Georgian Dream following the sanctioning of the propaganda media outlets clearly indicate that the sanctions have become a significant concern for them. Shortly after the announcement of the UK sanctions, the ruling party publicly expressed full support for “Imedi” and “POSTV.” This was accompanied by attacks against the United Kingdom and the summoning of the British Ambassador to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for explanations. The party also convened a meeting of its Political Council, which was attended by the honorary chairman of Georgian Dream and the country’s de facto ruler, Bidzina Ivanishvili.

Moreover, the Prime Minister from Georgian Dream, Irakli Kobakhidze, openly called on state institutions and private companies to continue cooperating with these television channels. This raises well-founded concerns that companies may face pressure to place advertisements on the sanctioned channels. Such actions could create risks of black money circulation and expose companies to the threat of secondary sanctions for assisting in the circumvention of sanctions.

The demonstrative support expressed by members of the ruling team toward the sanctioned propaganda media outlets, as well as their open efforts to assist them, once again clearly illustrates the strong influence of Georgian Dream over the editorial policies and operations of these television channels.

• The Impact of the UK Sanctions

Developments following the sanctioning of the propaganda television channels indicate that Georgian banks have complied with the sanctions imposed by the United Kingdom. This is evidenced by a statement issued by TV Imedi on 27 February, in which the broadcaster explained that, given the current circumstances, it plans to establish a new bank - “Imedi Bank” - “in the shortest possible time” to provide banking services to the company. On the same day, Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty reported, citing an informed source, that due to the UK sanctions, salaries at Imedi were distributed in cash, in envelopes. Media outlets also reported that Imedi intends to make payments for satellite services through the pro-government channel Rustavi 2. These developments indicate that the channel’s access to services within the Georgian banking system has already been restricted. Sanctioned television stations have reportedly been denied banking services even by banks linked to Bidzina Ivanishvili’s family and by banks owned by Irakli Rukhadze, the former owner of Imedi - namely Cartu Bank and Liberty Bank.

In addition to restrictions on access to banking services, Imedi and POSTV will also be unable to generate revenue from advertising, as Georgian banks are prohibited from processing any transactions for television channels disseminating Russian propaganda. As a result, Imedi and POSTV will no longer be able to receive payments for commercial advertisements broadcast on their channels. Any potential workaround would likely be interpreted as an attempt to circumvent sanctions. Consequently, any businessperson or company that pays Imedi or POSTV for advertising - or assists them in receiving such payments through indirect means - would themselves face the risk of secondary sanctions.

It is also noteworthy that Imedi and POSTV have already faced restrictions on Meta’s social media platforms, where they are no longer able to sponsor or advertise their content. As a result, they have reportedly begun attempting to create new pages.

●Sanctioned Broadcasters Attempt to Circumvent Sanctions?

Soon after the United Kingdom announced sanctions, actions taken by both sanctioned propaganda television channels raised serious suspicions that they began developing a new strategy and searching for alternative ways to avoid the sanctions and continue operating without disruption.

For example, the day after the propaganda channels were sanctioned, on February 25, the Public Registry registered two new organizations: LLC “Supporters of Imedi” and LLC “Supporters of POSTV.” The first is 100% owned by Imedi’s social media manager, Nika Kldiashvili, while 100% of “POSTV Supporters LLC” is owned by Giorgi Shengelia.

Due to the imposed sanctions, Imedi’s websites - imedinews.ge and imedi.ge - were shut down on February 25. Their operation resumed the following day. According to reports, Imedi transferred the security of its website to a system operated by a Russian company reportedly used by the Russian Ministry of Defense and the terrorist organization Hamas. Imedi itself denied the information, calling it “another lie” spread by “propaganda media and the radical opposition.”

A recent study by Fair Elections also found that after Meta restricted Imedi and POSTV from sponsoring or advertising their content on its social media platforms, the channels began registering new pages and attempting to promote their content through them. In addition, research by Myth Detector showed that since the sanctions were imposed, newly created media platforms linked to the authorities have actively helped Imedi and POSTV publish and promote their materials.

In addition, a study by Myth Detector found that after the sanctions were imposed, newly created media platforms linked to the authorities have been actively helping Imedi and POSTV publish and promote their content. These platforms had already been republishing their materials even before the sanctions. One of them is owned by Shako Kuchashvili, a supporter of the ruling Georgian Dream party.

Some of these platforms had already been republishing their content before the sanctions. One of them is owned by Shako Kuchashvili, a supporter of the ruling Georgian Dream party.

It is also noteworthy that a few days after Rukhadze left Imedi, leadership changes took place in four other companies fully owned by Georgian Media Production Group, the company that holds 100% of the television channel. Directorships in LLC Imedi Films, LLC TV Company Aisi, LLC Touch Media, and LLC GDS TV were taken over by Imedi employees and 10% shareholders of Georgian Media Production Group - Mariam Lomidze and Maia Chigoshvili.

The changes made in organizations connected to the company that owns Imedi raise reasonable suspicions that there may have been prior knowledge of the upcoming sanctions. The rapid reshuffling through these companies may be linked to attempts to avoid the sanctions. In any case, such a configuration creates favorable conditions for circumventing them.

In addition, Georgian Media Production Group LLC, the owner of Imedi, together with the pro-government Broadcasting Company Rustavi 2 LLC, each hold a 50% stake in Unimedia LLC. Their partnership could potentially serve as an additional mechanism for avoiding sanctions, particularly in dealings with international and local commercial banks.

• Who Purchases Advertising Time on “Imedi” and “POSTV”?

For several years, TV Imedi has held the leading position in terms of advertising revenues. Together with the pro-government channels POSTV and Rustavi 2, it significantly outpaces critical broadcasters such as Formula and TV Pirveli, whose advertising revenues remain considerably lower, particularly within Georgia’s already limited advertising market. For example, in 2025, Imedi TV alone received more than GEL 45 million in advertising revenue, which accounts for nearly half of the total television advertising revenue in the country. In the same year, POSTV also generated GEL 7.6 million in advertising income.

Despite being one of the largest players in the Georgian television market and receiving the largest share of advertising revenue, Imedi TV has been unable for years to operate profitably or cover its expenses with its income. For instance, in 2024 alone, Imedi reported losses of nearly GEL 68 million. Overall, its accumulated losses have reached GEL 454 million, while its debt amounts to GEL 391 million. In 2024, POSTV also ended the year with a loss of approximately GEL 1 million.

It is also noteworthy that Imedi TV has for years been financed by Bidzina Ivanishvili through preferential loans, provided via companies affiliated with him, including Cartu Bank, Cartu Group LLC, and Wenigen Management Limited. At present, 100% of the shares of Cartu Bank and Cartu Group LLC are owned by the Cartu Foundation, which in turn belongs to JSC Cartu Group. A 35% stake in JSC Cartu Group is held by Uta Ivanishvili, the eldest son of Bidzina Ivanishvili, while the remaining shares are distributed among at least 14 unidentified individuals. Overall, Imedi’s total loan liabilities to companies linked to Bidzina Ivanishvili amount to approximately GEL 165 million, representing nearly 50% of the television company’s financing.

Given that the Georgian National Communications Commission publishes quarterly information on companies purchasing advertising time from broadcasters and the amounts they pay, with first-quarter data for the current year expected to be released in late April or early May, Transparency International Georgia identified the current advertising contractors of Imedi and POSTV using media monitoring. For this, the full 24-hour broadcast schedules of both channels on 24 February were monitored.

The monitoring revealed that, at the time the sanctions were imposed, the channels’ advertising clients included: Coca-Cola, McDonald’s, PSP, Aversi, Meama, Carrefour, Sandomi, Glovo, Sante (Santino), Borjomi, RMG, Hyundai Auto-Georgia, Head & Shoulders, Pantene, m², Pampers, Raffaello, and others. Advertisements on the sanctioned channels were also placed by the Ministry of Culture of Georgia. (See Table #1 for a detailed list of advertisers by channel.)

Since advertising service contracts between companies are not public, it is difficult - prior to the release of official data - to calculate the amounts paid for advertising time or to determine the duration of these contracts. At this stage, it is also unknown which companies intend to continue cooperation with the sanctioned broadcasters. None have issued official statements on the matter to date. The situation will become clearer after the second-quarter data are published.

The only exception so far has been the coffee producer Meama, which, four days after the sanctions were imposed, announced that it “would not cooperate with sanctioned companies.” Meama is one of Imedi TV’s largest advertising clients, and 10% of the company’s shares are owned by Tamaz Kharaidze, the brother-in-law of Bidzina Ivanishvili’s brother. However, the very next day, the company clarified that it had not refused to cooperate with the “highest-rated television channels,” Imedi and POSTV, and that this cooperation would continue.

Transparency International Georgia will continue monitoring which companies maintain cooperation with the sanctioned television channels.

• Who Owns the Sanctioned “Imedi” and “POSTV”?

Before the United Kingdom imposed sanctions on the two propaganda channels, Imedi TV was owned by Irakli Rukhadze, a supporter of Georgian Dream and a key business partner of Bidzina Ivanishvili. For example, Rukhadze and Ivanishvili share business interests in Georgian Cement, one of the largest cement and concrete producers in Georgia.

Eighteen days before Imedi was sanctioned, on 6 February, Rukhadze announced that he was stepping down from ownership of the channel. He transferred 100% of “Georgian Media Production Group,” through which he and his foreign partners owned Imedi, to the channel’s employees and Prime Media Global. As a result, Prime Media Global acquired a 50% stake in Imedi for a symbolic price of GEL 1,000. Prime Media Global then transferred 10%-10% stakes, also for symbolic prices of GEL 100 each, to Imedi employees: Natia Songulashvili, Irakli Chikhladze, Mariam Lomidze, Maia Chigoshlvili, and Vasil Kalandarishvili. The day after the UK sanctions were imposed, 25 February, Rukhadze also resigned from Imedi’s Supervisory Board along with three other members.

Rukhadze’s hasty exit from Imedi has led to strong suspicions that he had prior knowledge of the impending sanctions and took these steps to avoid being personally sanctioned. After leaving ‘Imedi’, Irakli Rukhadze appeared in the media for the first time on March 19, at the funeral service of the Catholicos-Patriarch of Georgia, Ilia II, where, in a conversation with journalists, he stated that the sanctions imposed by the United Kingdom are ‘absolutely undeserved’ and that they have not affected ‘Imedi’ and will not affect it in the future either.

About 20 days after four members left the supervisory board of Imedi, on March 13 the channel’s Director General, Mariam Lomidze, applied to the Public Registry to register a new composition of the supervisory board.

The new board is composed as follows:

• Chairman - Irakli Chikhladze, host of Imedi Week and owner of a 10% stake in the company that owns the television channel;
• Deputy Chair - Natia Songulashvili, head of Imedi’s news service and also a 10% shareholder in the company that owns the channel.

Board members:

• Magda (Magdalina) Anikashvili - host of Imedi LIVE and Open Air;
• Maia Chigosvili - head of programming at Imedi and also a 10% shareholder in the company that owns the television channel;
• Ilia Mikelaishvili - owner of a 50% stake in the company that owns Imedi.

As for POSTV, 52% of its shares are owned by MP Viktor Japaridze, who formally left Georgian Dream and is a representative of the anti-Western political group “People’s Force.” Japaridze has repeatedly been implicated in alleged corruption schemes and questionable connections. 24%-24% stakes in POSTV are held by the channel’s host and one of Georgian Dream’s main propagandists, Shalva Ramishvili and Temur Charelashvili.

Notably, 25 days before the sanctions were imposed, Japaridze transferred his shares for management purposes to Zaza Maridashvili, who served as Deputy Mayor of Kaspi from 2017 to 2022.

• “Prime Media Global” - Overview

Prime Media Global is an intermediary company that sells television advertising. Its 100% owner is Ilia Mikelaishvili, a supporter of Georgian Dream. The company offers advertisers access to commercial airtime on pro-government television channels, including Imedi, GDS, Rustavi 2, Maestro, and POSTV. This means that Prime Media Global sells the advertising time on behalf of the broadcasters and then allocates the advertisements, along with the associated payment, to the selected television channel according to the advertiser’s preference. Analysis of advertising revenues shows that a large portion of the advertising time sold by the company is broadcast on Imedi TV.

According to BMG, in 2024, the company earned GEL 29.5 million from advertising sales, of which GEL 26.4 million was placed on television channels, leaving GEL 3.1 million as the company’s retained revenue.

Table #1: Brands Advertising on the Sanctioned “Imedi” and “POSTV”

Source: Data is based on the results of media monitoring conducted on 24 February 2026