“Live Broadcast”vs. “Public Image”: Which Will Prevail?
One can not but render the 1+1 channel its due: recently it has taken the lead as to the number of controversial programs it has put on. “Epicenter” was no exception as it hosted Victor Yushchenko. Vyacheslav Pikhovshek suggested that the Prime Minister elaborate on the accomplishments of his government in office, respond to his opponents’ criticism, and comment on the alleged achievements downplayed by far too many (for instance the slight GDP growth which, however, was not reinforced by real economic reforms).
The Day addressed the following question to its experts:
“What are your impressions of the ‘Epicenter’ broadcast with Viktor Yushchenko?”
Ivan CHYZH, People’s Deputy and the leader of the Solidarnist Party:
“In my opinion, Viktor Yushchenko’s answers to Pikhovshek’s questions were far from convincing. All his arguments were confronted by the problem of living standards and the quality of life in Ukraine. The current state of affairs in the economy gives no grounds to believe that the situation is improving. Perhaps some optimism in Yushchenko’s words is justified from the point of view of macroeconomic scholastic reasoning torn from the realities of life. We have sunk so low that any slightest advance is viewed as a great leap forward. At the same time I do not place all the blame for what has happened to Ukraine solely on Yushchenko’s government, which has been in office for only half a year. I am plainly stating that the existing model for development which continues to be implemented, can not present any solution to our crisis.
“The latest ‘Epicenters’ have provided good food for thought. Pikhovshek exerted no pressure upon his opponents, he merely presented what they all — Tymoshenko, Surkis, and Yushchenko — really look like. I think the viewers got enough information to stir up disputes and come to terms on some points. It is common knowledge that the current government is in dire straits. However, nothing will work out unless the focus of the macroeconomic situation is shifted onto some little guy.”
Arthur BILOUS, People’s Deputy of Ukraine:
“My impression of the Sunday’s ‘Epicenter’ can be described as mixed. On the one hand, the Prime Minister behaved as befits his office, although he obviously lacked confidence and offensive tactics, and at times he sounded like he was making excuses. Our television viewer, accustomed to trusting confident and pushy politicians, might have had a mixed impression of the Prime Minister’s self-confidence. At the same time, with all my respect for Vyacheslav Pikhovshek, beyond doubt one of the most educated and professional Ukrainian political scientists and journalists, his offensive tactics with respect to ‘Epicenter’ guests show a distinctly selective character. He interrupted both Yushchenko and in the previous ‘Epicenter’ Yuliya Tymoshenko (this is too much! — Ed. ), preventing them from making their point. However, this time he resorted to his offensive tactics noticeably less.
As to the persuasiveness of Yushchenko’s arguments, I would agree with him on their content, but, unfortunately, not in how he presented them. In my view, they were good enough to convince the specialists, but it looks like they were not good enough to convince the unprepared audience.
