A 24-hour news program, United News, is Ukraine’s equivalent of a government-controlled telethon. Established in response to the Russian invasion in February 2022, the telethon broadcasts daily events on public and private channels. However, its credibility has declined, with only 17% of respondents finding it relevant. Journalists like Andriana Kucher from Channel 24 criticize the lack of diversity and in-depth reporting in United News, labeling it as propaganda. Petro Burkovskyi notes that the program has lost credibility and fails to report government mistakes. Many Ukrainians now prefer to get their news from other sources due to the lack of pluralistic views.
Criticism from the European Union and the U.S. State Department highlight concerns about media restrictions and lack of pluralism in Ukraine. Despite claims that United News provides accurate information against Russian misinformation, calls for reform to ensure a diverse and independent media landscape persist. The shift towards social media and anonymous platforms reflects the public’s distrust in government-controlled news channels.
While the government defends United News as a reliable source, calls for reform and greater media plurality continue to grow. Minister Mykola Tochytksyi acknowledges the need for change to make the program more engaging for viewers. As Ukraine navigates its post-war media landscape, the future of United News remains uncertain.
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