While Ukraine has lately made the international news because of its deteriorating democracy, imprisonment of opposition leaders and worsening business climate, two internationally recognized journalists have arrived to tell much more positive stories.
CNN football correspondent Pedro Pinto came to Kyiv to work on his series about Ukraine’s preparations for the Euro 2012 football championships next summer. His arrival came on the heels of a visit by his ex-colleague, retired CNN host Larry King, who interviewed Prime Minister Mykola Azarov.
Both journalists came to Ukraine with fanfare in the local media, and although their programs have not aired yet, they have already raised eyebrows.
Larry King, who during his 25 years with CNN interviewed the world’s top leaders and celebrities, had a sit-down talk with Azarov shortly after King was hired as a special adviser to the Black Iron company on Nov. 28.
Azarov is a straightforward and honest person with a deep knowledge of world affairs, especially in the field of economics. [Azarov] would have been a successful U.S. politician.
– Larry King
Black Iron is an iron ore exploration and development company with headquarters in Canada. It owns two permits to develop iron ore mines in central Ukraine. According to the company’s statement, King was hired to help raise the profile of the company and Ukraine, and to “provide valuable insight into international affairs and also bring an extensive network of relationships both in the Ukraine and abroad.”
More eyebrows were raised as King shared his spotlessly positive impression of Azarov at a press conference held in the Cabinet of Minister’s building, based on a single interview. The TV host called Azarov a “straightforward and honest person with a deep knowledge of world affairs, especially in the field of economics.” King added that the prime minister, a controversial figure in Ukraine, “would have been a successful U.S. politician.”
Ukrainian politicians who met King in Kyiv say they were under the impression that the celebrity host is opening doors at the highest level for Black Iron.
Although shares in Black Iron are traded on the Toronto Stock Exchange, it remains unclear who owns a majority stake and ultimately controls the company.
“While it is not clear when and where the interview will air, and if it will air anywhere but in Ukraine at all, Azarov is probably being told he has become an international star,” said a Ukrainian lawmaker who met King, speaking to the Kyiv Post on condition of anonymity because he didn’t want to upset the TV host.
CNN said King’s interview is not affiliated to the network. King said the interview will be ready for airing next week, but he did not elaborate on who will broadcast it. Meanwhile Aaron Wolfe, vice president atBlack Iron, told the Kyiv Post that the interview “was not recorded for broadcast” and was “more of a friendly social discussion.”
Wolfe said the company has “many shareholders” but did not answer questions about who the major ones are.
As King shared his flattering impressions of Azarov, Pedro Pinto from CNN praised Ukrainian preparations for Euro 2012 and Deputy Prime Minister Borys Kolesnikov, who has spearheaded preparations for the soccer championship that Ukraine will co-host with Poland.
While it is not clear when and where the interview will air, and if it will air anywhere but in Ukraine at all, Azarov is probably being told he has become an international star.
– A Ukrainian lawmaker
At a press conference in Kyiv on Nov. 30, Pinto said stadiums in Ukraine are “amazing,” adding that he was “impressed” with Kolesnikov who was “very open.”
A day earlier, Pinto had flown with Kolesnikov to visit all four Euro 2012 cities.
The series will air Dec. 3 to Dec. 5. In his preview, Pinto did not sound like he will be focusing on any controversial topics, such as the inflated prices of Euro 2012 construction, the government’s choices of intermediary companies and other problems.
The reason might be that Kolesnikov’s ministry is sponsoring the series. A spokesman for CNN, Joel Brown, said the series is sponsored by Communication Centre Ukraine-Universe, a state-run organization under Kolesnikov’s supervision. Brown added that advertisers have no influence or jurisdiction over the content. Pinto also said CNN is covering all his expenses in the field.
However, in Poland, Ukraine’s co-host for the Euro 2012 games, Pinto didn’t fly around with government officials or sing their praises at a press conference.
CNN has provided glowing coverage of Ukraine before with its i-List series in January. The reports featured softball interviews with President Viktor Yanukovych and covered the agriculture sector positively, without mentioning problems with corruption or increased authoritarianism. CNN claimed it aimed for “cultural journalism” that doesn’t go deep into politics.
Kyiv Post staff writer Svitlana Tuchynska can be reached at t[email protected].
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