KyivPost – the newspaper of hate?
For more than 10 years I
read KyivPost. I read KyivPost even in school and in 2003 I started
to read it regularly because our university had a KyivPost box with a
fresh issue each week.
During all these years
there were some articles which I didn't like, but the general trend
of the newspaper was like its motto – Independence. Community.
Trust. I acknowledge that KyivPost is essential for all
English-speaking foreigners in Kyiv and it provides necessary
information about Kyiv, local specifics, culture and information
about Ukraine in general.
As for me I found
interesting articles about business and politics, these materials
were really unique and interesting. I remember KyivPost when it was
owned by Jed Sunden, during this time there was a huge “Escort”
section, but for a while there was also “Community” page which
provided information about cultural, religious and other groups,
clubs, initiatives. I remember when KyivPost was owned by Mohammad
Zahoor, and when (quite recently) it was sold to Michael Willard.
Many years ago I also
read “The Ukrainian Observer” which was owned by Mr.Willard, but
then it was closed, so it was probably a failure in a printed media
market. I think Mr.Willard as a professional and the owner of PR
company understands the importance of KyivPost newspaper for all Kyiv
community, that's why the acquisition of it was probably a good
decision.
But the last time (since
the results of parliamentary elections) KyivPost shows its obsession
and bias towards one of the major political parties of Ukraine –
Svoboda party. Each issue of KyivPost blames Svoboda, repeats cliches
and black PR messages, which are used by the opponents of this party.
This party has almost 20%
support in Kyiv, and the future Kyiv elections will probably show
even higher percent. This is the fact which you can't disagree.
That's why by showing disrespect towards Svoboda – you show
disrespect toward the thousands of Kyiv citizens who supported this
party. At the 2012 elections I ran as an independent deputy candidate
so I voted for myself, but on the party list I voted for Svoboda,
because I saw no other alternative. During this campaign I spoke with
hundreds of people, many of them did not hide their support and
sympathies towards Svoboda. Moreover I know many foreigners who of
course can't vote, but who are in favor of this party.
In some of the articles
your propagandists were so unprofessional so they mixed not only the
rumors, but even the names of the key Svoboda leaders. (Quote: “Yuriy
Ilyenko, a young deputy who won a majority constituency in Kyiv
against a local political heavyweight” - article “Svoboda tames
radicals to get into parliament” by Katya Gorchinskaya, Nov. 22,
2012,
http://www.kyivpost.com/content/politics/svoboda-tames-radicals-to-get-into-parliament-316584.html)
It's a shame to mix the
name of one of the major Svoboda's speakers Andriy Illenko with the
name of his farther Yuriy, famous Ukrainian film director who died in
2010.
Your articles which are
full of Svoboda hatred are insulting thousands of Kyiv citizens and
guests of our capital. That's why I suggest you to apologize.
This is not only my
position. Many English-speaking friends share my views and they
encouraged me to write this letter, because I advised them KyivPost
some time in the past.
Also you can look through
the comments on your web-site:
#1 Some "bishop"
in Schenectady New York is now an expert on "racism" and
linguistics in Ukraine...what a joke. And this was used as an Op-ed
article? Shame on Kyivpost for continuing to highlight such articles
in an almost weekly, if not daily manner.
#2 Hey Paul, thanks for
the weekly POR/communist propaganda submission. Svoboda is the only
party that supports Ukraine and Ukrainian interests.
(“Anti-Semitism's rise
in Ukraine” article, Dec 28, 2012.
http://www.kyivpost.com/opinion/op-ed/anti-semitisms-rise-in-ukraine-318239.html)
In conclusion I have only
1 question: Is this anti-Svoboda attitude the personal position of
Mr. Willard or is someone paying for these articles? I understand
that Willard's PR company had clients affiliated to the ruling Party
of Regions (you can see this information from their web-site) but
then all the things which you wrote about free journalism is a
nonsense.
I understand that my
question will probably remain unanswered.
But if the KyivPost
continues this line - I will stop reading, buying, advising your
newspaper and will suggest the same actions for everyone. Kyiv
citizens (both Ukrainians and foreigners) are not stupid, they can
distinguish free journalism and propaganda.
Andriy Voloshyn voloshyn.kiev.ua@gmail.com
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