Ukraine’s president Volodymyr Zelensky has signed a decree combining all of the country’s national TV channels into one, in order to combat what he describes as “misinformation”.
The existing channels will merge into “a single information platform of strategic communication” which will be called United News.
The move will see the end of privately-owned Ukrainian media outlets, at least for the foreseeable future.
Details of when the move will come into force have not been announced.
Under the presidential decree, RRT Concern and Zeonbud must work together to:
- sustainable operation of digital broadcasting facilities and uninterrupted broadcasting of TV channels in MX – 1, -2, -3, -5;
- round-the-clock monitoring of the terrestrial network, equipment of the main multiplexing station, satellite and terrestrial communication channels;
- reservation of satellite channels for delivery of programmes and equipment of the main multiplexing station;
- backup delivery of TV channels to digital transmitters with the involvement of an alternative satellite operator.
“This decision was taken in view of the direct military aggression of the Russian Federation, the active dissemination of misinformation by the aggressor state, distortion of information, as well as justifying or denying the armed aggression of the Russian Federation against Ukraine,”said Ukraine’s National Council.
