Ukraine's leading English-language newspaper since 1995

The recent court ruling to cancel broadcast licenses for TVi and 5 Kanal, two of the few remaining independent televisions stations in Ukraine, is reflective of a growing crackdown on press freedom by President Yanukovych. The recent court ruling to cancel broadcast licenses for TVi and 5 Kanal, two of the few remaining independent televisions stations in Ukraine, is reflective of a growing crackdown on press freedom by President Yanukovych, according to Freedom House. A Ukrainian court ruled on August 30 to revoke recently awarded broadcast licenses for private television stations, TVi and 5 Kanal, citing irregularities in the application process. TVi, who had recently renewed all of its licenses, has lost its ability to broadcast and the broadcast coverage of Kanal 5, who continues to have some pre-existing licenses, has been significantly reduced. Executives from the television stations, as well as those involved in awarding the licenses, could face criminal charges, including possible jail time. Read the full story here.