Most digital frequencies distributed among pro-regime oligarchs

The Natonal TV and Radio Broadcasting Council has announced its allocation of licencies for digital broadcasting. Three channels which all experienced restrictions on frequencies or trouble from the tax authorities: TVi, Channel 5 and Chornomorska have all expressed protest over the arrangement.   

Most of the major winners are people in power or close to it.

The Inter Group owned by Valery Khoroshkovsky, Head of the SBU [Security Service] and media magnate received out frequencies;

The EastOne Group, owned by Viktor Pinchuk – three;

TRC Ykraina, owned by billionaire and National Deputy from the Party of the Regions, Rinat Akhmetov – four.

Of the two channels seen as more independent, Channel 5, owned by Petro Poroshenko received one and TVi none.

From reports at www.pravda.com.ua and www.telekritika.ua