Most Ukrainians consider independent media important for democracy

Sixty-three percent of Ukrainians consider independent media outlets important for democracy, the Public Broadcasting Company of Ukraine has reported, with reference to a study conducted by the Pew Research Center.

"The Pew Research Center (a Washington-based think tank) conducted a study in 34 countries in 2019. The aim was to find out how democracy is seen in different parts of the world. According to the findings, independent media are one of the main pillars of democracy. Ukraine was no exception, where 63% of those polled called the activity of independent media, not influenced by the authorities and censorship, an important factor of democracy," the report reads.

At the same time, it notes that Ukrainians consider media freedom to be the most important principle of democracy after the justice system.

According to the study, this trend is observed in most of the countries surveyed. A free press is mostly supported in Greece - 89%, Sweden – 82%, and the United States - 80%. The lowest percentage of support was recorded in Russia - 38%, India – 37%, and Lebanon - 28%.

In general, researchers focused on several indicators affecting democracy, in particular, government work for the benefit of society as a whole, a fair judicial system, gender equality, independent media, and freedom of religion.

op