Ukraine to Combine National TV Channels

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has signed a decree that combines all nationwide TV channels into one platform.

“It’s important that the country has a unified information policy” under martial law, the president’s office said. This follows after four Ukrainian TV channels—ICTV, 1+1, Inter and Ukraina—previously united their broadcasting. The merged entity will be dubbed United News.

The decree announcement, which was made on the presidential website, did not specify how quickly the new measure would be implemented.

Under the presidential decree, RRT Concern and Zeonbud must work together on the 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 programs and equipment of the main multiplexing station; and the 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.