Toward a Model of Self-Sustainable Television Networking in Ukraine

Abstract

This thesis explores the question why television business is unprofitable in Ukraine. All the national television networks in Ukraine are unprofitable businesses and absolutely dependent on their owners’ donations, which decreases independence of the networks and their importance as a social institution. Besides, profitable and self-sustainable television is important for democratic development of the country and the economic growth. This master’s thesis is built around the assumption that profitability of a television network may assure its independency and sustainability. An in-depth interviewing method was chosen to do the study. Two respectable Ukrainian media experts and a CEO of the largest media corporation in Ukraine participated in the interviews. The thesis gives the profound answer to the question why television business is unprofitable in Ukraine. It discovers that, although profitability is the cornerstone factor in achieving independency, it is not enough to ensure the independency for television networks in Ukrainian realities. In conclusion, the thesis discusses what else should be done in order to achieve independency.%%%%M.S., Television Management – Drexel University, 2013