Editor’s Note: On Aug. 4, Andriy Bohdan, President Volodymyr Zelensky’s chief of staff, said that the administration doesn’t need journalists to communicate with the public. The statement immediately sparked controversy throughout Ukrainian society by questioning the need for journalism. The Kyiv Post asked Kyivans whether society still needs journalism and why.
Yaroslav Voznyak
Laborer working in Poland, 50
“Yes, very much. Journalism is first-hand information. The internet provides the information as well but the journalists see the events with their own eyes, feel it and publish it, and this is called information.”
Evgenyi Chepurko
Self-employed
“Yes. Journalists investigate politicians. If journalists cease to exist, everyone will ease off.”
Ekaterina Skripka
Student, 17
“Yes, we do need journalism, it is the mass media. The point is that, in the first place, the journalists should tell truthful information because otherwise, as the mass media, they are able to influence people rather negatively and spread fake news. Thus, a positive influence and real news should be the priorities of journalism.”
Yaroslava Besedina
Teacher, 49
“Yes. There is always a group of people who would happily read newspapers or listen to the radio. The demand for the mass media will definitely continue.”
Hryhoryi Burlaka
Economics professor, 75
“Depends on the situation in a country, society and working team… But you need to be tougher on your fellow writers in order to achieve fundamental changes and success.”
Denys Leshchenko
Assistant manager, 26
“Of course we do. There is so much information. We need someone to track it and comment on it.”
Artur Milevskyi
Physical therapy student, 19
“Yes, we need it but in a new, more digital format. Journalism should be presented on social media like Facebook or Instagram. Nobody watches TV, except for old people. Journalists need to bring information to the people, the main point is that this information cannot be corrupted. Because when it is, this information is of value only for the person who paid for it.”
Oksana Romanko
Culture specialist, 34
“We do, of course. Journalism is a stronghold of trust. However, I am not sure whether it (honest journalism) exists in Ukraine. The question is do we need it more of it?”
