On the objectivity of mass media

Every election campaign demonstrates the terrible state of the Ukrainian journalism. Representatives of mass media almost do not fulfill their mission, they simply play somebody else’s game, and they do not know either the rules of this game or their role in it. One half of journalists are the servants of the power, and other – of the opposition. Such approach dulls and deadens journalists’ reflexes and they are not able to elucidate the real events objectively. That is why people do not trust to mass media. Unfortunately, during the years of independence journalism did not become not only the fourth power, but even the team of associates united with the corporative solidarity. Media space is controlled by anybody except journalists. Now not a single central or regional TV channel exists in Ukraine, which elucidates the events without taking somebody’s part. As to newspapers, there the state is somewhat better. Such editions as, for example, “Dzerkalo tyzhnia” and “Vysokiy zamok” give the opportunity to express the opinions to everybody. And it is well that the people are different and their opinions are also different.

Yet, the main function of mass media is to write and tell the truth to their readers and viewers. And the people, who obtain the unbiased information, will interpret it by themselves and will draw the proper conclusions. Frankly speaking, the society does not need at all the journalists, which serve to the power or opposition. The society needs journalists, who call a spade a spade. Of course, not all decisions taken by the President of government are erroneous, and not all deeds of opposition are correct. Journalists must say the truth. Only in that way they will be able to win back the trust of public and will become the real fourth power in the state.

So, the Ukrainian journalists must take the decision. Maybe, it is the time to begin the active struggle for media space.

(“Politichna Ukraina”, 6 August 2003)