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The media landscape of Ukraine is characterised by a lack of technical equipment, journalistic knowledge, skills and professionalism, an underdeveloped advertisement market, and financial instability of media outlets. Journalists are constantly harassed and their rights are violated, often resulting in self-censorship. Political parties, politicians and businessmen use media as an instrument to achieve political or commercial goals. Regional and local media play an important role in the very different regions. While the official language is Ukrainian, in the East and South most people speak (only) Russian, and are more oriented on Russia. West Ukraine however, is oriented on Europe. The gap between these regions has become very clear in the election process of November 2004, in which media play an important role as well.
In Ukraine Press Now is cooperating with the Institute of Mass Information (IMI), in a three-year project aimed on improving the implementation of media legislation, protecting the rights and position of journalists, improve the quality of journalism and increase journalists’ professionalism.
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