For sake of army morale: Ukrainian TV advised against airing bodies

Click banner for more info

Ukraine's Independent Media Trade Union has published recommendations for journalists on how to cover the deadly clashes in Ukraine's east, where a full-scale military operation against self-defense units is still underway.

The document, initially published on the journalism trade union web-site and then on the union's Facebook page, advises than demands a particularcode of conduct. It does insist though that, those who love their native land and who wish the ongoing war to end promptly, read the lines and listen to the voice of their conscience.

Just for example, journalists are advised to avoid showing the dead on screen, or using the word "corpse." The authors seek to press the point by saying the sight of the dead could undermine military morale, as well as encourage parents to do all they can to stop their sons joining the troops.

Additionally, the mass media is strongly recommended not to repost videos uploaded on YouTube by the opposing side, particularly recent footage featuring captives. Whenever reports on interruptions to army supplies emerge, journalists are advised not to rush to air the piece but wait for more detailed information on "how the problem is being tackled" or at least a commanders' pledge "to sort it out at short notice".

The naming issue enjoys no less attention in the report, with the authors insistently warning against "the enemy" attempting to "disorientate" Ukrainian citizens, who may easily mistake Ukrainian battalions for Russian ones. The report notes that one should use the collocations "Ukrainian military" or "Ukraine's army" instead of squad names, typically "Aydar", "Dnepr", and "Azov", whereas the well-known "East" battalion should be referred to as "Chechen mercenaries".

Moreover, for the duration of the military campaign, journalists are expected to avoid publishing pieces on "domestic political standoffs and rows". Similarly, the authors deem it important not to sound "helpless" and show despair, even in the event of the Ukrainian army's failures. "Even those who perish could have children, who will remember their dads' courage and feel proud of it," the report states.

Set up in 2002, Ukraine's Independent Media Trade Union, is the only body to be part of the International Federation of Journalists and act as a human rights organization in Ukraine.