Daily newscasts monitoring comes back to “Telecrytyca” as of September 15 after the break of one and a half month. Although there are only 40 days left before parliamentary special elections, TV-channels are not yet fully engaged into election campaign, and the amount of materials on order featuring manipulations in favour of the owners did not increase compared with July. Before starting news analysis for September 15-20, we’d like to recall briefly the conclusions of the previous monitoring period (extensive analysis can be found here – June 2-7 June 9-14 June 16-21 June 23-28 June 30 – July 5 July 7-12 July 14-19 July 21-26).

Conclusions from the previous monitoring period

Maidan (“Revolution of Dignity”), change of government and opposition to Russian aggression in the East did not make any particular changes. New thematic palette - war, refugees, volunteers, sanctions - can not hide old problems: extremely low information and analysis quality level, infotainment abuse and balance of opinion negligence, incompetence and servility of journalists and editors, paid journalism, corporate news and black PR. Pre-revolutionary bouquet was complemented with new diseases - jingoism propaganda conducted by the journalists on their own initiative seemingly to “balance” the  Russian one and fierce oligarchs’ media wars.

There are changes for the better. The collapse of Yanukovych regime, which allowed media business existence only provided for the loyalty, ensured part of TV-channels news-makers working in good faith and in compliance with standards. First of all, it relates to STB and First National Channel, to a lesser extent - ICTV. These channels’ news could hardly contain purposeful violations of standards, inspired or imposed by investors. The only tragicomic exception was an attempt made by Pinchuk Group channels to rewrite history by making Leonid Kuchma a hero and exonerating him.

The most obvious positive metamorphosis observed in regard to First National news, which after the power shift in the state and National Television Company of Ukraine management took - at least formally - the path of transforming to public broadcasting. New CEO, Zurab Alasaniya, had enough political will to remove from air the odious journalists and moderators, who were covering all PR needs and wants of the old regime for years. Actually, these people scattered by themselves after plump envelopes with Arbuzov’s kickbacks ceased to be added to crummy salaries. They were replaced with few professional TV reporters from commercial channels and good karma moderator - Ilona Dovhan. Public channel news-makers obtained freedom to speak the truth and select news by professional rather than sycophantic criteria. And even more - Alasaniya and his staff managed to destroy a myth cherished throughout 23 years of independence that the First must cover every move of authorities and exists just for that. Today's First National Channel- is not UT-1 anymore.

But this was not enough. Economy class news even cleared of lies and manipulations have no chance in high Prime, where richer than First National commercial broadcasters compete. Lacking appropriate correspondents in combat zone, public channel news-makers decided to highlight the most important topic of the summer in official statements digest format and posts in social networks. Visuals – at a venture. There is no any initiative in sourcing and promoting exclusive themes, especially in remote from Kyiv. Fragmentary attempts of investigations and conflicts disclosure that almost never continue in subsequent broadcast. Poor journalistic story-free international news. This insipid picture is somewhat sweeten by guest studio. In general – it is clean, but a little bit poor.

Regarding the reasons for this situation there is no doubt: there was enough courage and principle for clean news, but to make them interesting there is no enough money. And, truly speaking, there will be never money enough - neither before nor after NTCU transfer to public one. Public broadcasting ideologies should even now, while analyzing the shortcomings of First Channel available news, start thinking about how to make future NTCU information programs appropriate. Especially, if they really hope to flush out Internet and lure to the blue screens those who ceased watching TV long ago.

Changes in the country have also provided benefits to “Vikna” and STB. News that have once celebrated being boldest and at the same time faithful in terms of compliance with standards at the time of Yanukovych have lost their individuality and became toothless and superficial information application to entertainment shows. The brightest reporters of old team have scattered to other channels. Today, “Vikna” team is making news only. Restrained and optimistic, without fabricated sensation and jingoism, with its own stories from Donbas and balanced coverage of risk issues. This is the news, which do not reveal the hidden truth and do not create trends for social networking and bus conversations, but they can show an adequate picture of the day narrated in simple words.

Another Pinchuk Group StarLightMedia channel - ICTV – can’t be related to the positive trend due to quite a large number of materials with signs of prosperity. Preferably it is “charitable paid journalism” using which some former government officials are trying to clear their reputation. The range of ICTV hidden advertising heroes traditionally includes: this service, in addition to traditional Nataliia Korolevska and Mykola Rudkovsky, was used by Lviv Mayor Andriy Sadovy, Dmytro Firtash (as a Chairman of Employers Federation), Vitaly Klitschko (as Mayor of Kyiv), wife of the President of Ukraine Maryna Poroshenko and others. ICTV management traditionally considers hidden advertising in the news as an acceptable way of making money.

Loyalty of “Facty” Channel to the new government, especially Petro Poroshenko, the same are eloquent and unconditional as loyalty in respect to Yanukovych and Azarov couple of years ago. Authorities are not criticized, except for abstract claims regarding military provision. But they don’t specifically praise. “Facts” focus on searching of positive works in other direction. Sometimes, ICTV reporters, especially those that talk about area of combat operation at a safe distance (Izuim, liberated cities of Donbas, peaceful checkpoints), have patriotic hysteria. ICTV – is a champion of careless information handling with regard to war in the Donetsk and Luhansk regions. Cocktail of things seen at checkpoints, heard from passers in the central square of Slav`iansk, read in social networks and press releases of anti-terrorist centre and Security Council, and individual reporters’ reflections. And all this is mandatory in live standup format that would have to provide audience with a sense of presence and involvement, but in practice simply reduces the number of material facts. If you hear from “Facts” that all residents of Donbas are looking forward to liberation from the terrorists, do not hurry to rejoice.

42: 8. Precisely this was the ratio during monitoring period of materials volume in “Podrobnosti” of “Inter” TV channel stacked against Igor Kolomoisky and “Privat” Group, and materials in “TSN” of  “1 +1” against Dmitry Firtash and/or Sergey Liovochkin. These are the only stories and messages, which in plain text have dealt with the enemy or his business. Also materials were not considered of final weeklies and “investigative documentaries” indulged in by both sides. There is a difference in materials specifics: many “Inter” plotting were aimed not to discredit Kolomoiskiy personally, but destruct his business (information on “Privatbank” services unreliability, for example). The target for “1 + 1” attacks were also business interests of Liovochkin and Firtash: “Kyivmiskbud”, Crimean Soda Plant, Sumykhimprom, “Nadra” Bank. But, for example, in the story of “Nadra” Bank collaboration at the territory controlled by pro-Russian terrorists, this bank was not even named – to find out, which bank exactly is mentioned, you can from the video only. Compared with daily incriminating material about certain dark side of “Privatbank”, this is children's toys. In addition, in the second half of July “Ukraine” and ICTV joined the “anti- Kolomoisky coalition”.

“Inter” and “Ukraine” – are two TV-channels completely left in “pre-revolutionary” logic, which required TV news not to inform the audience, but make a benefit to investor, his image, political and business interests. In their news we can find the most violations of standards, concealment of socially important topics, hidden advertising and manipulations. At the same time, uncertainty and variability of their investors’ interests, as well as  “laying eggs in different baskets” principle lead to the fact that the air of “Podrobnosti”,  for example, gets together Lyashko Radical Party and Party of Development of Ukraine (since recently – “Opposition Block”) PR. During the time elapsed from completion of the previous monitoring period “Inter” news lost a number of professional staff, including Andriy Tsapliienko and Olga Chervakova.

In general, the situation described above was preserved in news until mid-September, although some changes - including positive, such as cessation of StarLightMedia TV-channels active participation in war against Igor Kolomoisky, there was emphasized the neutrality of Channel 5 and PR reduced of Petro Poroshenko - observed.

News monitoring September 15 – 20, 2014

September 15, Monday

On Sunday, September 14, elections were held in Crimea to the Parliament of self-appointed republic. First National has dedicated to the voting a detailed plotting (author - Tetiana Khmelnytska), highlighting violations and artificially overstated turnout. At the same time, at end of the story author noted that Ukrainian law enforcement authority interprets elections in Crimea as another attempt to seize power. Therefore, information on percentage, voting and democratic procedure violations only legitimizes this illegal act before audience. First National in this report made a further mistake by inviting to the studio political consultant Taras Berezovets as independent expert. This “political expert, head of strategic consulting company” in conversation with moderator Ilona Dovhan said in plain text: “You know, we are at the process of the election campaign now”. Thus, it becomes clear that the “expert” is not impartial - one of the political forces is his customer, which can affect the content of his comments. The moderator instead at the end of the conversation again stressed the Berezovets status as “political expert” (rather than spin doctor).

Also, there are unreliable links in First Channel’s news. Thus, the material of National Bank monetary policy reveals the following: “Valeriy HONTAREV, head of NBU: “National Bank, in addition to coming out with the intervention to the market, develops new market tools. We want us to have 15 banks, largest market makers, which the National Bank will actively work with to create a greater depth of this market to avoid imbalance on these small amounts”.

Anatoliy HULEY, chairman of the Board of Ukrainian Interbank Exchange: “As soon as market makers institution will be created by the National Bank, I think that situation will stabilize and the relevance of this topic will disappear. To do this we need a week or two. Regulations required by National Bank are adopted”.

Roman KOVTUN, correspondent: This step, according to experts, will help bringing down the unhealthy excitement and release tension in the foreign exchange market of Ukraine. According to Anatoly Huley,  the exchange rate may return back to the corridor of 12,50-13,50 per dollar in few weeks. Thus, by reference to unknown “experts”, on whose behalf speaks not expert, but market player, a false impression is built of total NBU actions approval by expert community.

TSN “1 + 1” preserves a problem, to which we drew attention yet in June: materials by BBC correspondent Andriy Kravets not always convey to the audience the information promised by moderator:

“Lidiya TARAN, moderator: Minister of Defence of Ukraine Valeriy Geletey said that NATO started supplying arms to Ukraine, without specifying which countries exactly and what kind of weapon. Now, our colleague Andriy Kravets from London will joins us. So, Andriy, congratulations. What Britain says about weapon supply, what kind of weapons and is it true? And what is about training ongoing in Lviv?

Andriy Kravets, correspondent: Although organizers stress that this is conventionalism. Annual training “Rapid Trident” and they were planned before the situation escalation in Ukraine. But of course, everyone understands that this year they are special because confrontation at the East between Ukrainian military and separatists doesn’t cease. Therefore, NATO leaders, including Britain, have stated the day before that this training - is another opportunity to show support for Ukraine's sovereignty against the background of what they call Russian aggression. Although Moscow denied its involvement with separatists, but alliance has pointed out that Russia conducted military operations on the territory of Ukraine against Ukraine and even now, according to him, on the territory of Ukraine there are thousands of Russian soldiers and 20 thousands in readiness at the border. So, about 1,200 troops from 15 NATO countries and former Soviet republics included into Partnership for Peace alliance program for two weeks will now participate in this training near the city of Lviv. There are 30 British servicemen participating. This weekend, Minister of Defence Geletey said that Ukraine has already started to receive weapons from NATO, though did not confirm exactly what countries and what kind of weapon is involved. None of NATO member country has confirmed this information yet. Britain doesn’t supply weapons to Ukraine and, in general, does not comment this topic. I recall that alliance leadership stressed out that NATO as an organization will not supply weapon to Ukraine, but each member-state independently can enter into bilateral negotiations with Ukraine. Alliance currently says that it can provide Kyiv with expert support and coaching only. Lydia.

Lidiya TARAN, moderator: Andriy, thank you for clarifying. Andriy Kravets. Ukrainian BBC from London. British military also participate in training near Lviv “Rapid Trident 2014”. But the issue of weapon supply is unknown.” Information about NATO is certainly important - it could be prepared by TSN international journalists. And the entire “exclusive” by journalist from Britain reduced to the fact that he knows nothing.

Material by Tetiana Bukovnia on financial affairs in Mezhyhirya leaves TSN with many open questions. The author calls the former residence a “profitable business” for people who get paid an entrance fee; at the same time she notes more than one million debts for electricity. Apparently, except for “commandant” of Yanukovych former residence - Denis Tarahkotelyk –the position of State should be given, which owns Mezhyhirya and that should receive profit from it, if they really exist. Next in TSN - detailed preview of online conference with the Mayor of Lviv and “Samopomich” Party Leader Andriy Sadovy. The representatives of this political force receive from “1 + 1” too much attention before elections.

But “Inter” meets this day with unreasonable notice of Mykola Rudkovsky sync: “Aleksey LIHMAN, moderator: With what reforms smells the budget to be presented tomorrow with Verkhovna Rada? One of the deputies said already, how it will be met.

Nikolay Rudkovsky, people’s deputy of Ukraine, leader of the Left: “The Government's proposal - this is not reform, it is anti-reform, which will lead to crisis worsening. This will cause the only thing, already in the middle of next year we will have people over the country missing salaries. We will propose an alternative package of reforms, which offers budget filling”. Let’s note that leader of the Left - is completely pre-election formula. In addition, “Inter” has reviewed the lists of different political forces with domination of “Combats”, emphasizing among other things, that the list of Oleg Lyashko has no current people’s deputy, but himself.

ICTV, commenting the declaration for postponement of an association agreement with EU for a year, allows itself an unreliable reference to “economists”: “Instead, economists are more moderate. They say - despite military activities of the neighbour, the domestic economy depends on trade with Russia. And there is none can be done with it. And despite the fierce pressure from Moscow, Kyiv and Brussels agreed on a compromise – to postpone FTA. But ratification of the Association Agreement between Ukraine and EU will still be held tomorrow. Moreover, a single word was not changed.”

Too illogically sounds the message of “Facts” about the registration of “Sylna Ukraine” Party: Olena Frolyak not only recounts the top ten of the party, but also voices its slogans and uses uninformative sync by Sergiy Tihipko. And the next material features Vadim Karasev with subtitles as a “political analyst”.  Karasev, who recently regularly appears in official events of “Opposition Block” and previously served on the governing bodies of “United Centre” Party and can not be considered as independent expert. In fact, he has been a politician for a long time, as his colleague in the latter-day opposition Kost Bondarenko.

“Sobytiya” of “Ukraine” Channel – features mandatory part about Rinat Akhmetov's charity: on Monday it states only a short message. The following days, there will be usually 1-2 extended stories. To the studio there was invited Boris Kolesnikov, business partner of Rinat Akhmetov and one of channel’s curators, in order to explain the “Partiya Regioniv” refusal from independent participation in elections as of October 26. The only one not very easy question that was put before the politician by moderator Anna Panova, remained unanswered by Kolesnikov: “Anna PANOVA, moderator: How Donbas will look like in three years according to your forecast?

Boris KOLESNIKOV: I believe that our country as a whole should go ahead, get out of the crisis and be successful and prosperous. There are all chances for this”. “Ukraine” also with some delay responded to the “hundred days” of Poroshenko presidency: other channels summed up the results day before, “Sobytiya” prepared plotting in preview to which attributed to unknown “experts” the disappointing generalized opinion of the President

September 16, Tuesday

This day Parliament not without a struggle, but still passed a law on lustration. “1 +1” in this story is not as interested in content of the law - it is reflected in the report only schematically - as in dirt about Oleg Lyashko: “Cleaning the government. Parliament adopted by the evening the Law on lustration in general. Its approval was sought for several months by thousands of activists at numerous rallies. Today, people’s deputies after third attempt took the required majority of votes “for”. Truly speaking, even this law wasn’t voted by all deputies. For example, instead of the missing deputy Oleg Lyashko, who actively sought lustration, his button was pressed by his neighbour in the hall Angelica Labunska. This was captured by “TSN” camera. According to the approved document all officials of Ukraine shall undergo lustration assessment. For a specified period of time, from 5 to 10 years, there shall be forbidden to work in government for ministers, governors, heads of law enforcement agencies and their deputies at the time of Yanukovych. Also lustration will affect those involved in illegal repression during Maidan, KGB agents and leaders of the USSR Communist Party organizations”. Of course, the target here is not Lyashko himself but its patrons – Sergiy Liovochkin and Dmitro Firtash. There is another outstanding material against the latter in TSN:

“Lidiya TARAN, moderator: Ukraine must return state control over titanium industry - convince analysts having examined economic risks. Outdated technology, inefficient business-group management that controlled the titanium industry caused gross losses to Ukraine as to position in the world market. Analysts fear that without rules changes Ukraine will continue losing ground exporter’s position. Instead, it will increase import. Experts insist on an independent audit of strategic enterprises during their lease. And in case of any violation - to force tenant to reimburse state losses.

Anatoly BARONIN, director of the analytical group company “Control of those companies was obtained by the businessman Dmytro Firtash in a manner far from legitimate by the active participation of the previous government representatives”.

Andriy KOLPAKOV, managing partner of the analytical group: “The consequences of this control, control with respect to Firtash Group is difficult to recognize as positive for the state interests. In September, the transfer of deposits to state has already begun. And you know how this process is currently stalled. And we think that if the situation will not be resolved soon, the Ukraine can significantly lose its position in the global market.” An interesting “coincidence” - analysts are actually the “partners co-founders” of one of the analytical group Da Vinci, expressing position favourable to the owner of “1 +1” Igor Kolomoisky, while the position of Firtash and his companies does not appear in the material at all.

Characteristically, that First National, “1 +1” and “Inter” describing the protests under Verkhovna Rada, did not ask to protesters, which organizations they represent. “Inter” invited to comment adopted this day important decisions chief ideologist of Poroshenko team - Igor Hryniv (this day he also visited ICTV). Instead, further go manipulations:

“Reporter: Special status for certain areas of Donbas the leader of “Civil Position” Anatoliy Hrytsenko, not stinting in expressions, calls as “Putin status” and outraged that people's deputies voted for it in private. I am sure that this law is far more dangerous for Ukraine than the notorious Kharkov agreements by Yanukovych. The Minister of Internal Affairs advisor and concurrently 21^st in the list of “Narodny Front”  - Anton Gerashchenko has its hair standing on end from the laws adopted. And he got them. But these laws – is payment for previous years of looting and betraying of Ukraine - and setting his hair acknowledges – it is a forced step. Like, the Ukrainian military will not be able to confront Russian army. Radical Party believes that today’s laws mean capitulation to Putin. They are called a scam of century and national disgrace. Neither special status nor amnesty will lead to peace, since these laws are drafted in Kremlin - believe radicals. And “Opposition Block” is sure - the laws are necessary. But decision on Donbas special status should be adopted back in spring - then could avoid war with thousands of victims. Therefore, the opposition demands to punish those responsible for the deaths of people.

Vadim RABINOVICH, leader of “Opposition Block”: “I raise my hand for this bill. Any price to stop the war, and who makes this bill – we are, Poroshenko or someone else - we'll applaud this person. This is my not only party position, but human as well. But I want to ask a question - why should we put thousands of lives, destroying half of the country, to come to what should have been done initially”. Later, Petro Poroshenko himself will call purposeful distortions of repeated in MSM phrase “special status”. The same manipulative definition is repeatedly used by “Sobytiya” of “Ukraine” channel (eg, September 18).

 Selection of commentators is very revealing: both Radical Party and Opposition Block – are the projects supported by the owner of “Inter” Sergiy Liovochkin. And it was the Opposition Block representative Vadim Rabinovich, who was given the opportunity to express his opinion in direct speech. A similar situation we see in “Podrobnosti” as of September 18. Same is as of September 19 - direct speech of the Opposition Block representative Sergiy Larin - completed next election review. “Shtirlitz knew that words heard last are best remembered”.

In “Ukraine” news – there is more detailed information on humanitarian aid delivered to the residents of occupied by terrorists areas of Donbas on behalf of Rinat Akhmetov:

“Anna PANOVA, moderator: First aid kits for ATO area residents delivered to Mariupol. Humanitarian staff at Rinat Akhmetov's Foundation sent to the cities of Donbas 10,000 drug kits for the elderly. In each first aid kit there is basic range of medications: soothing, cardiac, allergy, tablets and drops from cold. Inside – there is instruction for drugs application and phone numbers of Humanitarian Staff. From Mariupol volunteers will deliver first-aid kits to Donetsk and other cities of Donbas. All medicinal kits will be distributed free of charge.

Pavel LAPIN, representative of Humanitarian Staff “We provide help” at Rinat Akhmetov Foundation: “Five thousand kits will be sent to the city of Donetsk, three thousand kits to other cities in Donetsk region in ATO area. Two thousand kits will be sent to the places where migrants from Donetsk region stay. Drugs contained in the first aid kit can be used also by other age groups, but first of all they will be distributed to seniors, people with disabilities, honoured workers”. Anna Panova invited to the studio Konstantin Bondarenko, political commentator and former politician (deputy chairman of “Strong Ukraine” Party), who since recent actively participates in the activities of “Opposition Block”. However, political engagement of Bondarenko wasn’t mentioned by moderator - he is positioned as “political analyst”. It seems that political actors close to Rinat Akhmetov, appear in “Ukraine” materials for a reason - this day there could be seen two sync by  Boris Kolesnikov and one – by Anna Herman.

September 17, Wednesday

“Pidsumky tyzhdnia”  again featured Taras Berezovets opinion, professional political consultants and spin doctor, as  “independent expert” - along with the opinion of Ihor Kohut and same suspicious in terms of impartiality Volodymyr Fesenko. These dignitaries comment the law on special order for Donbas self-governance. At the same time,  Yegor Sobolev, who at that moment was already a candidate for deputy from “Samopomich” Party was invited to the studio and represented as the head of Lustration Committee.

“Pidsumky tyzhdnia” newscast at the First National completed with report of the football player Andriy Husin death. TSN on “1 +1”, by contrast, starts with this. And further provide a portion of dirt about Oleg Lyashko:

“Lidiya TARAN, moderator: People's deputy Oleg Lyashko has new expensive car. Journalists saw the deputy getting into a brand new “Mercedes” worth at least million. People’s deputy gets into the car observing all conspiracy rules driving 200 meters in advance in usual van. And then, elite transportation is waiting for him. Earlier, Oleg Lyashko drove another SUV: he promised to sell it and send money to ATO and promised volunteer Valentina Bessonova to grant armoured car, which has not yet been done”. It would be natural to ask about the origin of the car owned by Lyashko, but “1 + 1” failed to do this. This is not the last stone into Lyashko garden: further in the story by Oleksandr Shilko there was used sync by Oleksandr Shevchenko, closest to Igor Kolomoiskiy deputy and senior manager of “Bukovel” Resort, who once again competing for the majority in Ivano-Frankivsk:

“Oleksandr SHYLKO, correspondent: It’s true that lustration will affect elective offices, including candidates, causing outrage among many people.

Vitaly HRUSHEVSKY, people’s deputy of Ukraine, head of the Group “For peace and stability”: “There is Opposition Block appeared. What for? This is political technology of Yanukovych government reincarnation. We should all be careful, but avoid those who told that they could not stop Yanukovych, could not influence him. You have the power - and you have a responsibility”.

Oleksandr SHYLKO, correspondent: At the same time history knows examples where lustration was eventually strengthened. For example, in Poland after the first soft law subsequently appeared more stringent one. This is the hope of many active supporters of the Law “On cleaning government in Ukraine.

Oleksandr SHEVCHENKO, people’s deputy of Ukraine: “You know, after the “Revolution of Dignity” still up to 50-80% same persons are coming, who were before the revolution of dignity. I would like to note also, you know, one populist, who promotes himself in Ukraine - trains the tongue - it is Lyashko Oleg. Accordingly, he was missing in the hall the entire afternoon and others voted instead of him. I stopped this shameful practice and prevented voting by card in abstentia.” And here, of course, there is no position of Lyashko and mentioning of his name is absolutely unjustified by the logic of plotting. Also it is funny that used sync by the people’s deputy Hrushevsky, one of those who voted for the laws as of January 16 (this background would be appropriate).

And “Podrobnosti” newscasting on “Inter” TV-channel immediately starts with suspicious plotting:

“Aleksey LIHMAN, moderator: Two months from the date of MH-17 disaster in our sky. 298 dead and 30 million dollars for information. What information and who offers those 30 millions – find more in detail with Kyril Evseyev from Berlin.

Kyril EVSEYEV, correspondent: $ 30 million for those who ordered Boeing crash in Ukraine. Who gave the order, who was the executor, and who is still covering their tracks? All this is trying to find out a private detective Josef Resch. He says that his task - is to verify this information also. How he will do it - we can only guess. Informants are promised new documents and, well, actually, a new life of a millionaire. Detective is sure – “You can buy anyone, the only question is the price”. And who is the customer of investigation - detective does not even know himself. He only said that one of mediators has Swiss accent. In Zurich bank there are $ 30 million. Resch has no doubts as to customers’ seriousness of intents. Just for agreeing to take up the investigation, he received an advance of 40 thousand Euro. However, he does not rule out the possibility that he might be used – plant fake evidence and then try to put pressure on Russian or Ukrainian government. We won’t see informants anyway. By the way, today their tragedy data was shared by the German government - published a report at the request of the Left Party fraction in Bundestag. It states that just at the moment of Boeing crash two NATO planes in Poland and Romania recorded air defence signals not from Buk, but anti-aircraft missile system S-125. However, this does not exclude that Boeing was hit by BUK, recognizes the government. Germans are always very careful in their judgments. Germany also has records of negotiations in the air before the tragedy, but it will not publish them, because this investigation is under Netherlands responsibility. I’d like to stress: it is not clear yet, what for these 30 million dollars? To find the true culprits or designate the same?” As we can see, “Inter” failed to find the answer – after all, were there any attempts made? Instead, Kyril Yevseyev feeds audience with guesses and assumptions, leaving the final open. The fact of investigation by another detective at unknown customer’s money is just a cause for investigation.

Without the necessary backgrounds and positions of the parties reminds of the fact that hostile “Ukrnafta” does not pay dividends to the state: “Aleksey LYHMAN, moderator: Parliament have already registered a bill to increase rates for the use of subsoil. This will help ensure trouble-free heating season. At present, the authorities are owed enterprises for light and heat more than 900 million hryvnia. Let me remind you, that “Ukrnafta”, which is included in Privat Group, failed to pay contributions to the budget for the last three years. There is a debt in amount of almost half a billion hryvnia.” This information is repeated as refrain in “Podrobnosti” since May, and the audience heard none clear position of management.

There is a material dedicated to Sergiy Kurchenko and problems with his football club and stadium “Metalist” in Kharkiv , where there is no position represented by Kurchenko himself, but at the end without any obvious reason and logic of thematic bindings appears Borys Kolesnikov:

“Aleksey LYHMAN, moderator: Bought and didn’t pay the full amount - return back to the city. This is about the stadium “Metalist” in Kharkov. Who bought and who can buy now- learn more with Lydiya Kalinina.

Lidiya KALININA, correspondent: Stadium “Metalist” was sold to Sergey Kurchenko a year ago. Then the businessman promised to pay more than 670 million hryvnia. Killed bear's skin immediately started to divide regional and city authorities. Decided - start up money for construction of subway, reconstruction of the Historical Museum and Philharmonic. And the mayor Gennady Kernes and then-Governor Mikhail Dobkin lobbied for sale of “Metalist”. But among willing to buy, by a strange coincidence, there was only one person.

Mikhail DOBKIN, former chairman of the Kharkiv regional state administration: “This is a huge opportunity for our territorial community. On the one hand - do not spend money to maintain and service of this big beautiful sports arena.”

Lidiya KALININA, correspondent: In the end, Kurchenko transferred a little more than one hundred million. That's all. Construction of subway station “Pobeda” was suspended, Philharmonic Hall is in ruins. In this regard, the court's decision to return the stadium to the communal property of the local authorities – is a good way out. While the content of this colossus burden for the budget - 20 million hryvnia per year.

Ivan VARCHENKO, vice-governor of the Kharkiv region: “Its maintenance is just the same not complete as we would like. We would like to consider the re-sale, but to somebody, who pays the money.”

Lidiya KALININA, correspondent: When “Metalist” will be for sale - is not clear. Litigation does not stop. Second lawsuit was filed to the regional council by “Metalist” management. Supposedly, it was sold with violations. Appeal was also filed by prosecutor - requires Kurchenko to pay penalty - 134 million.

Denis PODYACHEV, political scientist: “He's just the chairman of assets that, in general, belonged to the family of Yanukovych, who fled abroad. All funds received by dishonest means, why they should not be returned to the people of Ukraine?”

Lidiya KALININA, correspondent: In addition to the turbulent history of the stadium, Kharkiv held quite calmly the 4th charity competition “Aviator-2015”. It was held in the aviation university among students.

Boris KOLESNIKOV, President of Charity Foundation: “I would not say that this is charity. It's still motivation. This is the main thing - to bring up the main task of commitment of our foundation. Ukrainian youth - the best in the world, I am absolutely sure”.

Lidiya KALININA, correspondent: They promise that this best young people will go to air shows in Paris and London next year. But what will happen to the stadium next year - is not entirely clear”. How Kolesnikov and his aviation competition are associated with Kurchenko and his stadium? Who is it “politician” Podyachev and why his expert comment was used in the material? But as to the further notice there are no questions:

“Aleksey LYHMAN, moderator: Plans for development of the regional centres in Kiev, Odessa, Nikolaev, Vinnitsa and Kirovograd promises to submit shortly Sergei Liovochkin Foundation “New Ukraine” and the Institute of Strategic Studies. These cities have become the impetus for the economic growth of the country, they say here. Today debated - how to develop the capital and what exactly should be done?

Irina AKIMOVA, director of the “New social and economic policies” Centre: “We all talk about corruption, waiting for the adoption of some laws.

Eliminate unnecessary local acts and small medium businesses feel easier. Let's do it”. Certainly, the promise of the fund to submit development plans – is respectable information drive for Ukrainian TV...

There is no balance in the material of ICTV, dedicated to protest against newly appointed head of Kirovohrad region:

“Olena FROLYAK, moderator: Kirovohrad residents protest against appointment of former member of “Partiya Regiony” Sergey Kuzmenko as head of SRA. A decree appeared yesterday on the website of the President of Ukraine, after the adoption of the Law on lustration. People are outraged that they feel ignored again. 39-year-old Sergey Kuzmenko is remembered by residents as member of “Partiya Regiony” and anti-Maidan participant. Previously, he was deputy chairman of regional administration Sergiy Larin. He passed to Parliament as representative of the “Partiya Regiony” on 103^rd majority district with centre in Oleksandriya. Sergiy Kuzmenko voted for dictatorial laws as of January 16. In February, after Yanukovych escape he left fraction and then the Party. Residents of the city - public and political organizations - require the President to repeal and assign person unblemished with human blood. Meeting participants signed an appeal to Poroshenko. Former regional governor Oleksandr Petyk on September 8 wrote a letter of resignation, because plans to go to a military service as volunteer. Comments regarding new appointment in the regional administration are considered not ethical since  new chairman has not been even presented. According to preliminary information, it will happen this Friday before the session of the Council. People today will meet again at the meeting. Tomorrow they plan to picket the Presidential Administration.

Nina BABAK, local resident, a participant of the meeting: “We are opposed to this designation, because this person sponsored “titushek”. We were here on the Maidan, and they were on anti-Maidan. All local Kirovograd residents oppose to this appointment.”

Yuri VOVKOTRUB, a local resident, meeting participant: “Independence is just going on to have normal people in power. And newly designated are the same sponsors of “titushki”. Signatures, appeal to the President – all this to make him change the head of Administration”.

Viktor MEDVEDEV, coordinator of the initiative “Lustration in Kirovohrad”, The idea is that those people who were involved in adoption of the bloody law as of January 16 that caused death of “celestial hundreds” at Maidan, and, in principle, the war that is happening today, these people should not manage the state.” In the absence of Kuzmenko position  this material is not complete, and rejection by unknown people in RSA to comment “new appointment” does not create balance. Next day, the same unbalanced coverage of the conflict was featured by “Facty” ICTV.

TV Channel 5, even after Dmytro Tymchuk has been included into the electoral list of "People's Front", does not stop calling him as a "coordinator of the Group of Informational Opposition". A sync politician, who until recently was a military expert, is shown by Inna Nerodyk in her article. Citing Irina Gerashchenko, a National Deputy, (a linkman Artem Ovdienko retold for some reason in the subtitles the direct speech of Ms. Irina), a TV Channel 5 failed to give answers to many important questions:

"Artem OVDIENKO, moderator: Ukrainian power will not feed separatists, but will restore primarily those areas of Donbass, which are under control of the ATO forces". It was stated by the President’s authorized official on the peaceful settlement of the situation in Donbas, Irina Gerashchenko. According to her, even in the territories occupied by terrorists the official Kyiv will keep paying pensions and social welfare to the residents thereof.

Irina GERASHCHENKO, the President’s authorized officer on the peaceful settlement of the conflict in Donetsk and Lugansk regions says: "First of all, Ukraine will restore the infrastructure of those districts, which are returned by ATO forces to be be under control of the Ukrainian power. The Ukrainian state will not feed the terrorists and separatists. But it will perform those programs, that we, as a European country, shall carry out in the field of financing our pensioners, disabled people".

In addition to pensioners in the occupied areas of Donbass there is a huge number of state-paid workers: will they be paid salaries and pensions if they are actually reporting the structures of the self-proclaimed republics of terrorism? How is Kyiv going to ensure payment of pensions, where the banking system fails to be working? In short, Irina Gerashchenko’s answer is not a real answer.

Within the TV program "Events" broadcasted on the channel "Ukraine" this time there have been two materials on humanitarian aid to residents of Donbass provided by Rinat Akhmetov. And in the end of the program there has been some particular information about aviation competition performed by Boris Kolesnikov in Kharkov:

Anna PANOVA, moderator says: "In Ukraine, the best students of aviation schools are chosen. The competition is held in several universities in the country. One hundred of the best students will be sent in June to the Paris Air Show Salon named Le Bourget. But to win the students have to go through five qualifying rounds, to demonstrate their knowledge in general aviation and its history as well as aerospace, technical sciences and the English language. They will also be required to show their ability to perform creative tasks. A competition named "Aviator" has been already held by the Borys Kolesnikov’s Fund for the fourth time. This year the number of winning places has been increased more than twice. At Le Bourget winners will be able not only to communicate with the world's leading airlines representatives, but also to visit Disneyland.

Boris KOLESNIKOV, a founder of the charity fund says: "I would not say that this is some kind of charity. It's still a motivation. This is the most important thing - to raise commitment, which is hee main task of our fund." Vladislav BAGAS, a student of National Aerospace University "Kharkiv Aviation Institute" says: "I believe that namely these air salons and air show are a very big push forward. And you want keep developing more and more in the future. Though I want to connect my life with aviation".

Kolesnikov, member of the Party of Regions, being close to the channel owner, was named in the broadcast material as "a founder of the charity fund".

September 18, Thursday

One of the major newsmakers of this day has become a former president of Ukraine, Leonid Kuchma. Somehow the information about a date of the next meeting in Minsk between the negotiators of Ukraine, Russia and Donbass terrorists was not spread out by official sources of Kyiv, but instead announced at a meeting of Kuchma and students held in Dnepropetrovsk. Why and on whose initiative Kuchma met with students - the audience did not receive any answer to that question. There is interesting, but not critical relation of the TV channel First National both to the information and to the circumstances of its publication:

Ilona DOVGAN, moderator: "The next round of negotiations on peace in the Donbas region is planned for tomorrow in Minsk. It was announced in Dnipropetrovsk by Leonid Kuchma at his meeting with students. According to him, the position of the representatives of Ukraine has been already defined. According to Kuchma, there are no prospects of the military solution to the conflict in the East of Ukraine.

Leonid KUCHMA, President of Ukraine (1994-2005): "I can tell you, that our army, the National Guard, are fighting with the weapon of the twentieth century, other conflict party uses the weapon of the twenty-first century. I also know exactly the President's position, that in no case everything that we'll be agreeing to some extent there shall not be settled at the expense of the Ukrainian independence and territorial integrity. Therefore, also our task is to ask the world community, especially Europe, the EU, the United States to provide Ukraine with the assistance to remove this crisis."

Ilona DOVGAN, moderator: I would like to remind, that on September 5, trilateral contact group "Ukraine-Russia-OSCE" signed a protocol on ceasefire. Ukraine was represented by the second President Leonid Kuchma, the Russian Federation – by its Russian Ambassador in Ukraine Mikhailo Zurabov. A self-proclaimed prime minister of the so-called DNR, Olexander Zakharchenko also attended these negotiations."

It is to be noted, that there is an apparent warming of relations between the Akhmetov’s group and the owners of the TV channel "Inter": recently after a sudden appearance of Boris Kolesnikov in the plot about Kharkiv we have a portion of positive news concerning Rinat Akhmetov (charity for Donbass and electricity restoring made by the DTEK company) in two videos of news program "Details". Another interesting sign shown in the "Details" is concerning reporting of the German media materials about Ukraine, which originally refer to anonymous sources. In this news program of "Inter" there are such two messages - with reference to the Suddeutsche Zeitung and Bild. Both news "Inter" either could not, or did not want to check on its own.

A material about the fact, that "as if Kurchenko was seen in Kiev" is very suspicious. The source of this unchecked information is deemed by the creators of "Details" to be unreliable, but they still dedicate a whole story to this item:

A moderator: "They say, he was seen in Kiev. He came and met someone. In the same time he is being looked for and should be arrested. More says Ekaterina Lysenko  tells in detail.

A Reporter: A fugitive young oligarch Kurchenko allegedly appeared in Kiev, and not alone, but with his car fleet. According to media reports, he was seen here, near this capital residential complex. A billionaire as well as his car were seen. It was reported by Sergey Nikonov, a journalist of one of the Internet newspaper. In the media space noone knows him. It is also impossible to contact the journalist. His page in the social networks is almost empty, last time he visited it a year ago, and it is at least strange for a journalist. Law enforcement authorities refused to give any comments. Inofficially we were said in the Prosecutor General's Office and in the Interior Ministry that such "nonsense" is even not worth to be commented. Like, if Kurchenko crossed the border, he would have been arrested immediately. A case against him had been files in the spring. Since March he has been wanted.

Volodymyr POLISHCHUK, an ex-head of the press service of the Interior Ministry: "We are experiencing an information war, that is why they say, that the Ukrainian authorities, law enforcement agencies are ineffective and cannot even arrest a person who is wanted."

Sergey DIDIKOVSKY, a PR-strategist: "It may be some kind of cryptograms - Kurchenko is in Ukraine – a sign showing that it’s time to get ready for something. Examening a situation is usually performed in such a way. I.e. first a message is spread out, afterwards a reaction if seen."

A Reporter: "Kurchenko is suspected of stealing 33 thousand tons of petrol which belongs to the company "Naftogaz of Ukraine". And, according to the Prosecutor General's Office, VETEK group created by Kurchenko VETEK group is actually a criminal gang.

A Reporter: "Kurchenko escaped on February 19. Alone with Yanukovich, Pshonka and other close to the "family" persons. It is still ununderstandable why namely this theme as well as commentators for this informational material was selected. Why are namely they? Besides, the audience did not manage to understand whether Kurchenko was in Ukraine. The next day the "Details" dedicated to Kurchenko another mysterious material – it dealt with the fact, that he is allegedly going to buy Ukrainian petrol stations which are owned by the Russian company "Lukoil". The TV channel "1+1", instead, having raised this topic the next day, a version with Kurchenko did not considere – it unequivocally stated, that "Lukoil" sold petrol stations to itself.

One of the least respected broadcasters a information journalism standard is ease of information delivery. Simplicity, of course, is a relative and a subjective concept, but having read a text of the material of TV program "Facts" by ICTV, we must accept that all this could be said in human language - simplier and more clearly, avoiding cliches of military press releases. Fragments in bold are ours:

Elena FROLYAK, a moderator: "National Security and Defense Council reports, that virtually all stationed in the northern part of the occupied Crimea the military units of Russia, and they make 4,000 fighters of military personnel have been relocated from the settlements Armiansk, Krasnoperekopsk, Djankoi, Voyinske, Azovske, to the administrative border with a mainland part of Ukraine. And during the truce, the so-called truce, 17 Ukrainian military officers died".

Taras KORNIYUK, a correspondent: "Despite all the agreements and concessions made by power authorities terrorists do not stop shooting. While Russian media traditionally for Kremlin agents provide untrue information. They accuse our soldiers in violation of the truce. The National Security Council underlines again, that Ukrainian military officers start fire only when necessary. Because militants attack by fire our checkpoints and settlements located near the dislocation of our units and civilians".

Andriy LYSENKO, a spokesman for the Information and Analytical Center of the National Security Council: "These are not attack actions, but defensive actions. And if there is a threat to lives of our Ukrainian military officers and civilians who are close to these places, the Ukrainian military officers as defenders of the territory, belonging to our Ukraine, definitely start fire in response. Get them not complain that we are shooting at them."

Taras KORNIYUK, a correspondent: One of the striking evidence of cunning of militants is the ongoing fire committed by them toward the Donetsk airport with automatic and artillery weapons. In its territory many residential buildings have been destroyed. For the past day our units rebuffed an attempt to attack and recorded 4 attacks.

Volodymyr, a military officer: "From time to time they shoot with Grad weapon. They start fire, mortar fire."

Taras KORNIYUK, a correspondent: "Bandits attack positions of ATO forces and in Pisky, near the Donetsk airport. There is one injured person. In the city of Donetsk since morning there is a fire fight near a mine named Trudovskaya. There is a tense situation also near Lysychansk, Luhansk Stanytsya, Shchastya, Popasnaya, Verhnya and Ybzhnya Krynki and Zhdanivka. In Lugansk region over the past few days bandits regrouped. Some of them with armored vehicles concentrated in the north-eastern area of ​​ATO and in the north of Lugansk. Previously, several convoys of ammunition and fuel were delivered there. Nearby Lugansk terrorists launched a mobile Russian radar stations and air defense system. Meanwhile, power engineers managed to partially restore electricity in the north of Lugansk region. Terrorists hit the Luhansk TPP, followed by the fire. Some districts of Donetsk are still without water. Thousands of people in the Donbas region have been living in basements and bomb shelters for months. It is not calm also on the Ukrainian-Russian border. Militants violate the truce. During the day the border guards in Red Talivtsi in Luhansk region recorded three explosions. A resident of one of the surrounding villages tripped a mine. In total since yesterday one Ukrainian emergency service officer died. Three soldiers were wounded. Enemies have become active also in the South direction. From the northern part of the annexed Crimea almost 4,000 Russian soldiers with all their equipment have moved towards the administrative border with the mainland of Ukraine."

Following this video, which is similar to the press release, televiewers saw an information material about extremely 'important' event – a meeting of Leonid Kuchma, a farther-in-law of the owner of ICTV channel, with Dnepropetrovsk students. Extract: "A powerful independent state can be built by the today's youth, a powerful generation of Ukrainians, who eventually defined their self-identification. Such expectations were expressed by Kuchma to two students of Dnepropetrovsk Universities, who met that day. 12 gifted students received named scholarships from the Presidential Fund "Ukraine". One-time payments - 10 thousand UAH - Leonid Kuchma presented to the students of the private University named after Alfred Nobel and the classic Dnipropetrovsk National University, where he actually also studied." The author of the panegyric to Kuchma - Valery Malchenko. TV program "Windows" by STB also resounded a generous Kuchma, but they avoided a plot – a moderator, Tatiana Vysotska, said all kind words about a former president by herself.

It is interesting, that Channel 5 also reported on the resumption of the contact group in Minsk with reference to Kuchma, but they do not mention the circumstances under which he gave this message. Just the same the channel "Ukraine" did. But within the program "Events" there were two long videos, on how Rinat Akhmetov helps Donbass. A guest in a studio of "Ukraine" was Vadim Rabinovich, a candidate for deputy from the Opposition unit.

September 19, Friday

Channel "1+1" continues without any balance highlighting a conflict in Kirovograd, where Maydan activists protest against the appointment of Sergey Kuzmenko, a member of the Party of Regions, as a head of RSA. This time the occasion to recall this was a reprisal against the other member of the Party of Regions:

Lidiya TARAN, a moderator: "The wave of the so-called "lustration by rubbish container" has come to Kirovograd. There a Deputy Regional Council, a former member of the Party of Regions, Mykola Kuretsky was thrown into the rubbish container. However, activists were preparing this container not for him, but for the new governor - the former member of the Party of Regions, Sergey Kuzmenko. He had to be presented at the Regional Council session, but for unknown reasons it failed. But instead of this, the next hall was erupted by about a hundred protesters – they were demanding to conduct voting on nonconfidence in the head of RSA and dissolution of the Council. Their demands were not fulfilled by the deputies. Between community activists and a famous activist agaist Maydan Mykola Kuretsky there was a verbal altercation. For the deputy it ended up in the rubbish container.

Catherine CHMILENKO, a daughter of the hero of "Hundreds of Heaven": "He is a representative of the Party of Regions, who used to bring here ‘titushki’, to the Kirovograd Maydan, they tried to pay, when my brother and father were killed. Such people shall not have any place in the government at all, especially in the present one". Naturally it would be interesting to learn the position of both Kuzmenko and Bankova Street - what motivated a decision to appoint this particular person. "Facts" by ICTV, in return, managed to attract the opposite party in order to clarify  this situation.

Then there are strange materials, one by one in TSN. For example, about Michailo Brodsky, whose status seems to be not understandable even for the authors of the message, that’s why they decided not specify who he is:

Lidiya TARAN, a moderator: "Michailo Brodsky declares, that he is being watched by unknown persons. He wrote about this on his page on "Facebook". His guards noticed such watching signs during the previous night. Now Brodsky is abroad. His assistant does not report a country of his stay and refrains from any comments. Brodsky does not answer phone calls. In his publication he mentions Victor Pinchuk, Leonid Kuchma and names as Eremeev and Ivanchuk. On Monday - Brodsky says - he will share all the information with the prosecution and the Security Service. "

Here is another suspicious plot about the former member of the Party of Regions Onishchenko and a meeting devoted to his defense:

Lidiya TARAN, a moderator: "The right of choice - more than three hundred residents of Kyiv region picketed today the CEC. The reason was a fact, that the Commission refused to register a People's Deputy candidate, Olexander Onishchenko, because he allegedly failed to comply with the electoral legislation, in particular he has lived less than for five years in Ukraine. People, in whose district a People's Deputy candidate had to run for, say that this solution is not objective. I.e. Onishchenko was preparing during that period of time for the Olympic games and the CEC didn’t even accept any his explanations - and it is suspected, that the case involves candidates with less rating from the former environment of Yanukovych. The representatives of the district election committee were asked to ensure equal rights for all participants of the election race, and people even wrote an appeal with a demand to set aside the decision and register Onishchenko. This appeal was accepted, people could not talk to the the commission representatives: no responsible officers for this district were on their working places.

Activist: "We think, that they are there - they are just afraid of us! They scare to give us an answer to our question - why they refuse to register our Deputy?!"

Activist: "We want that, what is being declared and told about – we want the people to have a choice and the desire of people is also paid attention to." The situation is clearly expressed in sympathetic to Onishchenko ways and without the right balance - CEC members had to be allowed to explain, why they refused to register the former member of the Party of Regions. Besides, a clear violation of standard of completeness is the lack of backgrounds, including that Onishchenko was a member of the team of Yanukovych, and protesters accuse namely it.

It is common, that none of the central Ukrainian TV channels failed to find their own sources for timely and complete information providing on the Contact Group meeting in Minsk. News prepared by Channel 5, STB, "Ukraine" refer to the international news agencies.

PR volume dedicated to Rinat Akhmetov in the TV program "Events" broadcasted on the channel "Ukraine" has been extended this time. Apart from the traditional two materials on humanitarian aid to Donbass residents given by Akhmetov (a plot by Yulia Minshakirovoy, glorifying Akhmetov, and a conversation with the head of the charity fund of the owner of "Ukraine" channel Denis Denisenko), a journalist Natalya Kravchenko included a panegyric to Akhmetov to her plot about politics, peace and war:

Natalia KRAVCHNKO, a correspondent: "Bets are made and politicians will not change their policy positions before the elections. Conventionally political forces today are divided into the "party of peace", "party of war" and in between there is a "party of piece with the force position". To be out of the political game, which, taking into account of tragedy, looks extremely cynical, and not many manage to realize it.

Rinat AKHMETOV, a president of SCM: "With whom? With a bald devil we must negotiate. Well, everyone needs a piece. People need peace".

Natalia KRAVCHNKO, a correspondent: "This emotional expression of Rinat Akhmetov is beind citated since June. But he only repeated, what he had said from the beginning. The only possible weapon in the conflict in the Donbass Region is a negotiating table. Today, when the dust settled, and the agreements in Minsk brought, albeit shaky, but a truce, it became even more obvious.

Rinat AKHMETOV, a president of SCM: "I want to say again, it is not allowable to bomb Donetsk and Donbass".

Natalia KRAVCHNKO, a correspondent: "And then how to resolve the situation in the East?

Rinat AKHMETOV, a president of SCM: " Negotiations, negotiations and negotiations again. There is no another way. And remember my words. Anyway, everything will end by talks and peace. Just tell me, please, who will return children to their mothers? Who will return husbands to their wives? Who will return fathers to their children? "

Natalia KRAVCHNKO, a correspondent: "Today political scientists have concluded, that the theme of war and peace remained a key topic on these early parliamentary elections. Depending on the events in the East of the country, a political rhetoric can vary as well.

Vadim KARASEV, a political scientist: "Both "People’s Front" and "Citizenship position" and "Batkivshchyna" and Lyashko will tell (we also warned), that Putin cannot be believed. And it will be considered to be as one of the serious mistakes made by Petr Poroshenko. If the truce will be like today, so to say, no war, no peace, - in hybrid condition, well, it means, that it will ends up in such conditions."

Natalia KRAVCHNKO, a correspondent: " A hybrid war in Ukraine caused a hybrid truce. What step will be the next one, and will it cause a peace - the question is open. Funny, that in the material anonymous "political analysts" are present, which are represented by political commentator and actuallly politician from the Opposition unit Vadim Karasev.

September 20, Saturday

“1 +1” seems to be too carried away with colourful descriptions of TrashBucketChallenge - Throwing representatives and supporters of Yanukovych regime into the trash buckets. Material of Zaporizhzhia “Cossack” Oleksandr Panchenko humiliation in its descriptive naturalism crosses the line of humanity. And then we see the gender bias example in Lidiya Taran preview to Maryna Makuschenko plotting: “Women at War means contradictory happiness. On the one hand, they first begin to panic. On the other hand, according to experienced fighters, woman versed in military affairs – is a tough, physically and mentally stable soldier. Therefore, professional instructors decided to prepare a reliable female rear. Special courses for homish, but so brave visited Maryna Makuschenko”.

“Inter” amused with already common set of political forces in the observation plot: Lyashko Opposition Block (Rabinovich) and civil position by Hrytsenko. Sync in this material is given just for one of these politicians, and again this is Vadim Rabinovich. But really suspicious is the following story, which refers to taxi service owned by well-known Ukrainian leader of “Oplot” Yevgen Zhylin:

“Aleksey LIHMAN, moderator: Taxi, winter story, titushki, attacking of Maidan defenders. It's all in Kharkov. Is it true that the taxi just in time repainted in yellow-blue what has to prove - more by Lidiya Kalinina.

Lidiya KALININA, correspondent: “30-40” - perhaps the largest taxi network in Kharkov. Its cars, as well as advertising banners, are everywhere. Local activists believe during winter events this service to work for “titushki”. Like, many taxi drivers then were original informants. On their tip the participants of European Maidan were beaten, burned their cars. People are still afraid to show their faces. Fear retaliation.

Maxim, an activist of Kharkov EuroMaidan: See the situation, what is happening and report that there are people with flags went there, went there, there is the police, there are no police. And wounded were taken to the hospital. Went to the hospital, we them there to pull out of the cars to kill”.

Lidiya KALININA, correspondent: It is said, the most active part taxi drivers have been and in the night in the clashes at Rymarskaya Street on March 15th. Then all night members of the organization “Patriot of Ukraine” skirmished with anti-maidan. The latter, allegedly, driving it is this taxi service. Also, the company cars, according to activists, tried to push the protesters. For example, when Maidan participants have demolished a statue of Lenin.

Igor RASSOKHA, co-organizer of the Kharkov “Euromaidan”: This night, they came and made ​​ a fight. And even tried to ram the cars of our guys”.

Lidiya KALININA, correspondent: But taxi company rejects its involvement with Yevgeny Zhylin and “Oplot”. Call themselves patriots of Ukraine. Perhaps, in confirmation of these words, now head-glasses most machines appeared Ukrainian flags.

Lawyers do not believe in taxi involvement with Zhilin either. They say that if it were true, he probably would have gotten rid of this business.

Yuri AKSENOV, a lawyer: “Taxi 30-40 simply once served as the advertising sponsor for money of public organization “Oplot”. That is, they were paid the money for posting logos.”

Lidiya KALININA, correspondent: If taxi service is still owned by Zhylin, it can be proved. Even if the firm is registered with another owner, assured lawyers. And then, at the request of the prosecutor's office or other investigative bodies, assets of Zhylin can be arrested. The activists themselves could help here. They say they have a recording of intercepted conversations of taxi drivers and car numbers of those who participated in the attacks on “EuroMaidan”. But activists failed to present this evidence to us. And if they do exist, why nobody saw it? In any case, in this story you need to make your point. Otherwise it will look like a normal business showdown with political flavour.” In fact titushky, Anty-Maidan and other stories from the time of Maidan weight a little bit compared to the fact that Lidiya Kalinina somewhat keep silent – Yevgen Zhylin is actively involved in the armed struggle in Donbas on the side of terrorists, and also participates in administration of self-proclaimed DNR. Also surprisingly, instead of finding out the truth, the journalist of “Inter” is trying to shift this task to her characters - activists by giving them (or someone else) an instruction to “put an end”.

ICTV TV-channel has solved one of most difficult ethical dilemmas of Ukrainian media – whether to allow journalists speaking or not. In grandiose material on the basis of the next round of negotiations in Minsk, except for mandatory Leonid Kuchma, there was used sync by DNR leader Aleksandr Zaharchenko. However, there is nothing clear in terrorist’s words, but the audience was convinced that DNR ia a party, which can and should b egive the word. Other channels instead didn’t allow DNR representatives on the air, following a more traditional approach to covering the positions of terrorists.

And audience of Saturday “Sobytiya” on “Ukraine” received two immutable materials on charity by Rinat Akhmetov: traditional story of Julia Minshakirova and reports that the company “Metinvest” donated buses to city of Mariupol.

Thus, based on weekly monitoring results some conclusions can be made.

Relatively clean remain news by channel 5, First National and STB. They also have drawbacks - violation of standards for accuracy and reference as in case of STB praising Kuchma. But their creators observe standards much closer than their colleagues from other channels.

Now ICTV channel is not involved in active politics or election campaign, as well as materials on order - except for corporate ones, like mentioned above glorification of Kuchma – doesn’t post. This is a positive change compared to June and July.

“1 +1” news increased the number of materials containing purposeful manipulation and violations of standards having clearly pre-election character. This is typically aggressive attacks against politicians supported by Firtas-Liovochkin Group. Also there are many illogic materials, including dedicated to the members of the former government. So, Igor Kolomoisky started to use actively its media resources in political struggle compared to June and July.

The dirtiest news is still featured by “Inter” Channel, though the amount of materials focused against Igor Kolomoisky and “Privat” Group has decreased by several times. Instead, “Podrobnosty” increased using hidden campaigning, in particular for “Opposition Block”, the candidate and sponsor of which is “Inter” channel co-owner Sergey Liovochkin.

Owner of “Ukraine” channel Rinat Akhmetov, seems, to set a kind of norm for PR materials that news-makers of this channel conscientiously observe. All these materials have no real information events and absolutely identical in content.

Although 40 days before election the part of materials on order, election advertising, black PR and manipulation in Ukrainian TV channels news are in general significantly lower than during the same period before elections of 2012, 2009-10, 2008, 2007 and 2006, the problems of those channels that are intensively used to meet the election  needs – “Inter”, “1 +1”, “Ukraine” - are obvious.

The monitoring is supported by the EU and CoE Joint Project  «Strengthening Information Society in Ukraine»