The Ukrainian media have been mobilizing to inform the population since the start of the Russian invasion on February 24, 2022. Combating Moscow propaganda remains one of the greatest challenges.
Published on 08.07.2023 11:20
Reading time: 1 min
In the control room of Radio Ukraine, July 7, 2023. (ISABELLE LABEYRIE / RADIO FRANCE)
“Welcome to Radio Ukraine”. In the large Stalinist radio building, everyone works constantly. “We’re available 24 hours a day, seven days a week,” breathes Youri Tabatchenko, 38, the chain’s boss. On Saturday, July 8th, 500 days have passed since Russia invaded Ukraine. Since February 24, 2022, the media has been mobilized to report on this war. “We didn’t think it would take long. But 500 days into the war, our life is a struggle. This is our new reality.”
>> War in Ukraine: Follow the development of the conflict in our lives
Fight against fake news
The three antennas that make up the public group continue to regularly broadcast joint programs to spread the news of the war. “Information wasn’t very popular before the war,” Youri Tabatchenko points out. People liked music radio and entertainment. But in the occupied territories it became very important.
“In some places, we’ve become the only medium that allows people to get reliable information.”
Yuri Tabachenko, head of the National Radio of Ukraine
at franceinfo
Fighting disinformation and overwhelming Russian propaganda has also become the group’s priority. “Every day our colleague Vadim Miski lists the most important Russian fake news,” explains journalist Serguiy Stukanov. For 10 to 15 minutes he explains to the audience why this Russian news is fake.”
Serguiy Stukanov and Youriy Tabachenko mobilized for 500 days to tell the war, July 7, 2023. (GILLES GALLINARO / RADIO FRANCE)
Despite everything, two broadcasters resumed their entertainment programs. “It is very important that people have access to positive information,” said Paulina Tosca, a teacher, psychologist and presenter of the youth channel. It allows them to feel better about themselves psychologically and morally. And it is also very important that it is the media that gives them a good mood.”
Despite everything, the Radio Ukraine teams still feel a certain sense of guilt. “We’re at the bottom,” says one journalist. “Those who are on the front lines are the ones who have been doing the work for 500 days.”
Journalists from Radio Ukraine report “around the clock” on the course of the war in Ukraine
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