The most popular topics in the media indicate not only what is relevant in the life of society. They also create the image of the state and directly influence decisions made by foreign partners. Now, when the present and future of Ukraine depend as much as possible on such decisions, the selection of topics is more important than ever. So, how exactly will the boom in corruption topics affect the image of the state?
It is raging
Corruption scandals are an old topic that gained particular publicity with the beginning of the full-scale invasion of Russia. Many journalistic investigations, news, exposes, etc., constantly appear in the media. What is the reason for such a surge? There are two main reasons:
1. Maximum financial assistance. Over the past 20 months, Ukraine has received unprecedented financial assistance, which has not been provided to anyone in recent decades. Therefore, the opportunities for corrupt officials have also increased proportionally.
2. Disinformation. Corruption is an excellent tool to cause contradictions within the country, which Russia knows well. Therefore, it powerfully uses this tool, increasing the number of accusations and rumors in both Ukrainian and foreign media.
Combined with the mass neglect of user verification of information, this has a colossal effect.
What do they think in Europe?
During the Donbas Media Forum, which took place in Kyiv on October 11-12, this topic was discussed by Ukrainian journalists and representatives of international organizations: EU Ambassador to Ukraine Katarina Mathernova, Deputy Director of the USAID Mission Tedi Dell, Deputy Head of the Office of the Council of Europe Erlend Falk, Special Representative of the OSCE Chairmanship Marcel Pesko and others.
European colleagues emphasized the following points:
– Illusion of deterioration. The West has known about the problem of corruption in Ukraine for a long time. The fact that it is receiving so much attention lately is not perceived as a deterioration. On the contrary, this means that society is ready to fight this phenomenon and not to silence it.
– Freedom of speech. The presence of many materials about corruption eloquently testifies to the freedom of speech in the state, which creates a positive reputation and points to democratic freedoms in Ukraine. There are many countries where exposing corruption is dangerous.
– European integration. One of the comments that must be worked out before Ukraine becomes a member of the EU concerns precisely the fight against corruption. This topic update indicates that eradication takes place at all levels, starting with the highest levels of government and ending with society itself.
Therefore, a large number of materials about corruption have both positive and negative aspects. However, it is not worth considering this as a factor that spoils the image of Ukraine in the eyes of the world community.
