The best TV channel?
By Daniel MacIsaac, Kyiv Post Staff Writer

When it comes to television programming, Ukrainians just want a little respect.
So listen up, broadcasters: Those heart-rending Latin soap operas that sink viewers into a state of mind-numbing apathy and escape have to go. Before long, the whole country will be using the same detergent and naming all its little girls Maria Francesca and its boys Jose.
The occasional clip of the president receiving an honorary degree or the prime minister touting economic recovery do little to give viewers much food for the brain. Let's face it, most of the programming is insipid, dull and insulting.
At least, that's the impression we got from our readers after we asked them to name their favorite TV channel. Ultimately, they chose 1+1, and respect had something to do with it.
"They have a touch of class, and you can feel they're taking responsibility for the information they present," wrote one woman. "They respect their audience and find it special, different and sophisticated."
Another local viewer lauded 1+1 for its impartiality, claiming that the "news tries to be as objective as possible."
One ex-pat also gave the nod to 1+1, but in a less supportive tone. She wrote that 1+1 is "not the best but possibly the most bearable for short bursts of time."
And she continued:
"Generally, however, most of the programming on all the channels is downright boring and WHERE do they find those horrible American movies with 'stars' no one has ever heard of?"
And continued: "If my apartment had a decent cable with English-language broadcasting, that's what I'd be watching. I would love to see some interesting shows in Ukrainian; however, I do not consider every song festival in the country engaging or tapes of the dreaded 'Zolota Fortuna' and its unfortunate spawns."
Thank you for that.
Other channels managed to garner some votes. Novy Kanal came closest to challenging 1+1 for the title of best channel - though, as one supporter noted, "Rumor has it that it's about to be bought by a local oligarch."
At least one ex-pat refrained from criticizing. "I never have time for TV," he wrote. "There is so much else to do in Kyiv!"

RESULTS:

1. 1+1
2. Novy Kanal
3. STB

Others receiving votes: Inter, NTV, ICTV.