Zurab Alasania’s resignation from the position of director general of the National TV and Radio Broadcasting Company of Ukraine (NTU) has roused concerns about the future of public broadcasting reform in Ukraine. Although some experts believe it is already too late to reverse reforms, the coming months will determine the future of public broadcasting just as one of its most active promoters leaves.
Alasania is a person who enabled the creation of public broadcasting in Ukraine. In March 2014, the political decision was finally made to transform the huge state-owned network of TV and radio broadcasters into a full-fledged independent public broadcaster. Modern-minded, charismatic, and a hard manager, Alasania seemed to be the best candidate for the position of director general of the NTU, someone who could shake up the archaic Soviet-style nature of the state broadcasting system.
