Does Ukrainian Media Increasingly Favor Russian Playlist?

"Ukraine's top television networks are too cozy with the country's leaders, reporters are hindered in investigations and independent journalism is under threat in the country's far-flung regions, an international media watchdog said Wednesday.

On a three-day trip to the former Soviet state, the head of the Paris-based group Reporters Without Borders, Jean-Francois Julliard, called upon the journalists themselves to seek protection if the authorities won't oblige.

''If there is no political will to protect press freedom, journalists should keep fighting to defend their rights,'' he said.

Critics say media liberties have been stifled under pro-Russia President Viktor Yanukovych, who took over from a Western-leaning predecessor earlier this year." ...

Associated Press "Media Watchdog: Ukraine TV Too Cozy With Leaders" New York Times July 21, 2010

Photo credits: Foros, Autonomous Republic of Crimea, Ukraine, Future European Union. (c) Mizhnarodny Turyzm Magazine 2010. Copyright controlled.

*

UPDATE:

"Russian Prime Minister Valdimir Putin will pay an official visit to Ukraine on July 24 and 25, Ukrainian News has learned from a spokesman for the Presidential Administration.

In his words, Putin is planned to meet President Viktor Yanukovych in Crimea, he will also attend ceremonies on celebration of the Day of the Russian Fleet, which this year is marked on July 25.

As Ukrainian News earlier reported, Yanukovych is spending his vacations in Crimea and will return after August 24."

Credit: Ukrainian News Service July 21, 2010