Vladimir Kurennoy, a journalist and politician, has joined RBC Ukraine as the Deputy Director for Strategy and External Relations. His extensive experience spans various sectors, including media, government, and public service, providing him with a unique perspective on the interconnected worlds of journalism and politics.
In an interview with RBC Ukraine, Kurennoy emphasized the need for media transformation in response to evolving market demands, particularly as the country anticipates the end of the ongoing war. He stated that RBC Ukraine’s primary mission is to evolve into an information hub capable of addressing contemporary challenges.
Kurennoy identified three distinct types of media operating in Ukraine today: commercial media funded by advertising and audience engagement, media supported by oligarchs or government budgets, and those reliant on grants. He noted that state paternalism represents a significant threat to press freedom, as it often leads to biased reporting that favors the government.
He believes journalists must act as watchdogs, maintaining a constructive opposition to authority. This is crucial, as government officials can pose a primary threat to freedom of expression. Kurennoy also stressed the inevitability of regulating Telegram channels, which have gained substantial readership and influence, asserting that they should be held accountable for misinformation.
In his new role, Kurennoy aims to prepare RBC Ukraine for future challenges in the information market, advocating for a strategic approach to growth and audience engagement. He highlighted the importance of maintaining connections with various stakeholders, including government bodies and civil society, to foster a more informed democratic environment.
Kurennoy’s extensive background includes work in local government, the Ukrainian parliament, and political consulting. He has witnessed the evolution of journalism in Ukraine since its independence, noting a shift from a romanticized early period to a more pragmatic current landscape. He expressed concern over the decline in professional standards, attributing it to a lack of motivation and the rise of social media.
He cautioned against the oversimplification of terms like “oligarch,” arguing that not all wealthy individuals fit this label. Kurennoy believes that media should focus on informing the public rather than shaping their opinions, maintaining that facts should take precedence over subjective interpretations.
In conclusion, he urged media outlets to prioritize truthfulness and for audiences to engage critically with the information presented to them.
Vladimir Kurennoy has been appointed as Deputy Director for Strategy and External Relations at RBC Ukraine. He aims to transform the media outlet into an information hub while emphasizing the importance of press freedom and audience engagement in a post-war context.