President of the European Broadcasting Union (EBU), Delphine Ernotte Cunci and Director General, Noel Curran have used a visit to Ukraine to reiterate the EBU’s support for the country in its war with Russia.
Ms Ernotte Cunci (pictured) said since the beginning of the war, more than a year ago, public service media across the continent had stood shoulder-to-shoulder with Ukrainian broadcaster, UA:PBC to ensure it could continue to inform and reach the people of Ukraine both at home and abroad.
“For example, EBU members have been providing vital equipment, sharing content, supporting refugees and organising fund-raising events,” Ms Ernotte Cunci said.
“UA:PBC’s role as a public broadcaster now goes well beyond providing trusted, objective news and information — it is saving lives as well.”
Ms Ernotte Cunci, who is also Chief Executive of France Télévisions, said access to trusted news and information in times of war could mean the difference between life and death.
“Public service media thus play a central role in alerting the public and addressing fake news and foreign interference,” she said.
“In a new form of ‘information warfare’, they are instrumental in serving citizens.
“We are proud and humbled to see and hear more about the work of UA:PBC and its journalists and other staff who have taken incredible risks to provide a lifeline for all those caught in the crossfire of this terrible war.”
While in Ukraine, Ms Ernotte Cunci and Mr Curran visited UA:PBC’s NewsHouse in Kyiv as well as meeting with UA:PBC’s Managing Board members and staff at their offices in Chernihiv.
They also met Minister of Culture and Information Policy, Oleksandr Tkachenko.
Kyiv, 6 April 2023
