Ukrainian TV announcer Oleksandr Safonov dies at 82

Oleksandr Safonov, a legendary announcer of Ukrainian television and a People's Artist of Ukraine, has died at the age of 82 after a serious illness.

According to the National Union of Journalists of Ukraine, Safonov passed away on May 16.

"Oleksandr Serhiiovych Safonov passed away on May 16 – a man whose voice had been the voice of Ukrainian broadcasting for decades," the union said in a statement.

Safonov began working as an announcer for Lviv Regional Television in 1967. From December 1978 until November 2003, he spent a quarter of a century as the face and voice of Ukrainian television.

After retiring, he devoted another six years to Ukrainian Radio.

The National Union of Journalists of Ukraine noted that Safonov was regarded as a benchmark of Ukrainian broadcasting for his clear pronunciation, impeccable diction and distinctive voice. He hosted the country'a most prestigious state and government ceremonies, introduced leading Ukrainian pop stars on stage, and traveled to 20 countries on cultural missions.

In November 2023, the union honored Safonov with a Certificate of Honor on the occasion of his 80th birthday.

Safonov was laid to rest on May 17 in the village of Stantsiia Potash in the Uman district of the Cherkasy region.