112 Ukraine


112 Ukraine is a private Ukrainian TV channel, which provides 24-hour news coverage. 112 Ukraine is available on satellites AMOS 2/3, via DVB-T2 network and in packages of all major Ukrainian cable operators. 112 Ukraine is focused on live broadcast.
It is reportedly affiliated with the pro-Russian politician and businessman Viktor Medvedchuk. Since December 2018 the channel is owned by member of parliament of the Opposition Bloc, Taras Kozak, who is reportedly an associate of Medvedchuk.

History of the channel

This news channel was launched within 4 months, starting from concept development, equipment supply and office space design up to programming and business optimization solutions.
On 26 November 2013, the presentation of 112 Ukraine took place, and on 28 November 2013, the new TV channel appeared on Ukrainian screens.
In August 2014, 112 Ukraine had established its own correspondence bureau in Brussels, Belgium. Within the period of its broadcast, 112 Ukraine has organized live linkups with Crimea, Moscow, Vilnius, Lviv and Malaysia. The same way, the 20-hour TV marathon was held while elections to Verkhovna Rada had place.
In December 2018 member of parliament for Opposition Bloc Taras Kozak acquired the channel and all six TV channels in the "112 Ukraine" group.

Structure and coverage

112 Ukraine covers 75% of the territory of Ukraine. The channel is available in the packages of the largest Ukrainian cable operators, and is also broadcast via DVB-T2 network and AMOS 2/3 satellites.
112 Ukraine owns one satellite license and five regional digital licenses, which are united by the joint venture agreement. The satellite license for 112 Ukraine was issued on 22 August 2013. The companies with digital licenses were merged with companies of 112 Ukraine on 16 August 2014.

Pressure of National Broadcasting Council on 112 Ukraine

Since July 2014 112 Ukraine is under constant pressure of the National Television and Radio Broadcasting. National Council is broadcasting regulatory body.
During the first informal meeting with 112 Ukraine representatives Head and Deputies of National Council claimed that “112 Ukraine” owner Andrey Podschypkov is a nominal owner, despite the documentary proofs. National Council representatives stated that the real owner is one of the former Ministers of the Viktor Yanukovych cabinet, and refused to renew the programming concept of five regional stations of 112 Ukraine television network.
Also in 2015 "112 Ukraine" TV Channel has received notice from the National Council for the remarks claimed by Russian journalist Maksim Shevchenko, that was interviewed in the studio via Skype during "Shuster LIVE" talk-show.
President of EFJ stated that the threat of closure targeting 112 Ukraine seems clearly disproportionate.