The British public was rightfully shocked and outraged this month when it got a deeper glimpse into alleged crimes rooted in sleazy, close relations between its police, press and politicians.
Centering on allegations of phone-hacking and other crimes, the scandal at the News of the World newspaper threatens to damage or even end the careers of once-influential journalists, senior politicians and a person many across the globe considered to be the mightiest of media moguls – Rupert Murdoch.
If the British public were to experience the everyday conflicts of interests between Ukrainian oligarchs and their pet politicians, they would suffer a heart attack.
Unfortunately, the situation is out of control, in part because Ukrainians have long tuned out of politics and have grown far too accustomed to how they and their nation’s riches are being robbed by kleptocrats.
There are lessons for Ukraine to learn from the Murdoch media scandal.
First, President Viktor Yanukovych should watch closely. In the European Union to which he wants to bring Ukraine, top politicians, media moguls, businessmen as well as journalists are held accountable when caught or suspected of doing wrong.
If Ukrainians want better living standards, they should campaign for the same accountability here.
Second, independent journalism can pay off, fulfilling its rightful role as the “fourth branch of government.” Cover-ups happen even in Europe.
The British phone-hacking scandal was kept under the lid for years and could have passed if it were not for the relentless efforts of one reporter from the Guardian newspaper.
To successfully combat corruption – as Yanukovych claims he wants to – Ukraine needs more prying, not muzzled journalists.
Investigations are needed to follow-up on what journalists uncover, even if it is something in the leader’s backyard.
