Savings needed: Ukraine may close the unified telethon if it doesn’t change its format

The Unified Telethon in Ukraine may be closed if by the end of this year it does not change its format, thereby regaining the trust of citizens.

This was stated by the head of the Committee on Freedom of Speech of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine, Yaroslav Yurchyshyn.

According to him, this is related to the reduction of international aid and the need to save money.

“Therefore, if by the end of 2024 it is not demonstrated that the unified telethon has changed its format, that there is balance, there are not just bravado news from the front lines, and that people’s trust is being restored, then we will have to consider ending it. Because we are now seeing a downward trend in the use of the unified telethon and an upward trend in the use of social networks. And then it will be even more difficult to explain to our international partners and our own people why we are funding ineffective information policy,” said Yaroslav Yurchyshyn.

Earlier, he stated that Ukrainians have turned to Telegram channels because the unified telethon is ineffective.

It is worth noting that “Reporters Without Borders” called for ending the telethon in Ukraine and returning to media competition.