US Ambassador to Ukraine visits IMI Mediabaza in Poltava, discusses challenges for journalists
Bridget Brink, the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the US to Ukraine met with local journalists while on tour in Poltava and discussed the situation in the oblast's media environment.
The meeting took place at the IMI journalism hub "Mediabaza Poltava" on July 22, reports the Institute of Mass Information representative in Poltava.
Ambassador Brink spoke with journalists from the TV channel Suspilne Poltava and the online media outlet "Poltavska Khvylia", as well as civil society representatives (OPORA Civil Network). They discussed freedom of speech in wartime and the work of journalists.
"Poltava is a very beautiful city. I am glad to meet the representatives of civil society and independent media and hear their perspective on the war, as well as learn about their efforts to strengthen democracy in Ukraine by supporting freedom of the press and independent judiciary," the Ambassador said.
US Ambassador to Ukraine Bridget Brink meeting local journalists at Mediabaza Poltava on July 23, photo by the U.S. Embassy Kyiv Ukraine
"Poltavska Khvylia" journalist Anastasia Matsko, who was present at the meeting, told the IMI representative that she had spoken to the Ambassador about the death threats she received and the ongoing litigation. Anastasia Matsko was threatened by the district council deputy Serhiy Boyko and the chief public works inspector Maksym Malko at a City Council session on March 29, 2023.
"We discussed the litigation which I have been locked in for over a year and a half. The problems Ukraine's media community faces, the independent judiciary and freedom of speech as the basis for a democratic society. I greatly appreciate the attention and time taken to meet us," Matsko said.
Mediabaza Poltava team memeber Denys Bazhan introduced Ambassador Bridget Brink to the work of the IMI journalism hub and thanked the US Embassy for its support and assistance to Ukraine.
"We really appreciate the US support and interest in the development of independent regional media," said Denys Bazhan, assistant at the IMI journalist hub Mediabaza Poltava.
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