The National Council on Television and Radio Broadcast refused to grant a license to “Hope TV Channel” Ltd for satellite broadcast.
The National Council on Television and Radio Broadcast refused to grant a license to “Hope TV Channel” Ltd for satellite broadcast. Only two of the 6 members of the council voted for granting the license on 18 April.
“Hope” is a Christian Channel offering religious programs of the Seventh Day’s Adventists. According to the director of the channel, they have no intention to promote any particular religious denomination but consider themselves to be a family channel.
The Ukrainian law prohibits religious organizations to found TV and radio organizations. Representatives of the council reported to Telekritika.ua that the Hope TV Channel Ltd is owned by three physical persons. However, the council did not authorize granting the license. “Why conceal one’s religious affiliation if it is clearly seen on the web site?” said in conclusion a member of the council, Mykola Fartushnyi.