On 2 September 2024, First Deputy Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine Oleksandr Korniienko took part in the conference “European Integration in Time of War: Challenges for Freedom of Speech and the Role of Public Broadcasting”.
The participants' discussions took place in three panels, which, in particular, concerned the preservation of freedom of speech during the war as an important element of democracy and an indicator of European integration; the impact of a full-scale war on the documentary content market; the role of radio in difficult times for the country, etc.
During the second panel, titled Film Industry and the Production of ‘Big Forms’: How the Full-scale Invasion Affected the Documentary Content Market, Oleksandr Kornienko shared his thoughts on the future of Ukrainian documentary filmmaking and its role in shaping the national identity. “I believe that today, more than ever, it is important to support Public Broadcasting as an integral part of Ukrainian democracy. This applies to the creation of high-quality relevant content, especially documentaries. After all, this genre not only records the events of today, but also helps to rethink the processes of gaining independence and our path to the European community,’ said the First Deputy Chairman of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine in his speech.
According to him, today the society has a great demand for truth, for a deep understanding of the history, culture and modernity of Ukraine. “However, we should not limit ourselves to history alone. After all, an active consumer is looking not only for facts from the past, but also for information about understanding the modern world and culture. Therefore, now there is a window of opportunity to find formats, education and answers to important questions that are of interest not only to foreign viewers, but also to Ukrainian citizens,” said Oleksandr Korniienko, adding that Public Broadcasting could become a hub where content is born, ‘which not only informs, but also inspires.’
At the same time, the First Vice Speaker stressed the importance of expanding the content of Public Broadcasting, as the essence of its activity is broadcasting in the interests of the whole society. According to him, there is a need to create films about Ukrainian scientists, intellectuals, mathematicians, physicists, i.e. people who have formed and continue to build the public brand of the Ukrainian nation. “The window of opportunity is open, so I wish Public Broadcasting to use it to the fullest!” Oleksandr Korniienko concluded.