TV news journalist offers glimpse of life in Lviv region (05/20/01)

TV news journalist offers glimpse of life in Lviv region

by Andrew Nynka

NEW YORK - Adrianna Skoryk, moderator of the Lviv-based TV news program "Chas Reform" (Time for Reform) gave an insightful look at the social, ecological and economic hardships Lviv's citizens have faced since Ukraine gained independence in 1991.

Born and raised in Lviv, Mrs. Skoryk graduated from Lviv National University in 1987 with a degree in journalism and literature. She is married to renowned composer Myroslav Skoryk.

Mrs. Skoryk began her career in journalism by working at an in-house newspaper for the state-owned women's clothing manufacturer Mayak. She explains: "This was a publication by Mayak, for Mayak." Mrs. Skoryk commented that, because of the limitations on topics in a state-owned newspaper, she was not satisfied with her work.

Following the birth of her son in 1990, Mrs. Skoryk was introduced to the TV industry, where she began to work with various economic issues affecting Ukraine.

Commenting on the difference between the in-house newspaper and the TV program "Chas Reform," Mrs. Skoryk explained: "When I came to work in the TV industry my vision needed to be expanded. I needed to know as much as I could about all of the things going on around me." Mrs. Skoryk added, "I began to find my niche, my voice" working in the TV industry.

Mrs. Skoryk began anchoring the Channel 12 TV news program in 1994. She described the program, which airs in Lviv every Friday afternoon, as "analytical-it strives to look at not just the economics and social issues of the area but to help educate the viewers on the issues that directly affect them."

Viewers are able to call in to the program, which features a panel of guest experts from various industries, including the energy, water, and business sectors, in order to ask the panelists questions regarding local issues.

"This is a program intended not just to inform but to offer suggestions and teach people to take information relevant to them and apply it in a productive manner," Ms. Skoryk underlined.

She elaborated: "Our goal is to provide the people of this region with an understanding that change will happen, but it will take time." She continued, "the difference between another station, like UT-1(a national station controlled by the state) and our program is that other stations don't always understand that Ukraine has been independent for only 10 years." None the less, Mrs. Skoryk stressed that now is the time for change, saying that Ukraine "has the resources and great potential, but must continue on the path of reform."

Commenting on the state of Lviv's society, Mrs. Skoryk seemed to echo Western concerns about child-rearing, saying "I'm very worried that our current situation is decreasing the ability of our people to care for their children." Mrs. Skoryk added, "It deeply worries me that, as both parents begin working, they are leaving their children to be raised by TV, music or friends." She also noted that, although the influence of friends can be positive, "families are loosing touch with their children and I hope that people can get through these challenges in order to raise strong families."

Continuing on the topic of Lviv's children, Mrs. Skoryk said: "I recently had the chance to look into the economic state of Lviv's orphanages, and each time I feel terribly saddened. The buildings are falling into disrepair and need lots of work."

"I can't help crying every time I enter an orpanage. These children are the future of our country and we need to do a better job caring for them," she stated.

Commenting on Lviv's economy, Mrs. Skoryk said she recognizes that "the world is requiring better quality in manufactured products," and she highlighted several bus and truck manufacturing plants that she believes are up to world standards. She also pointed to world-class mineral springs in Ukraine, specifically in the town of Truskavets.

But Mrs. Skoryk also said she recognizes that a good portion of Lviv Oblast is behind world standards and noted that, "unless we develop our manufacturing plants, we will not be able to compete with international products."

Citing tourism as a new form of increasing revenue, Mrs. Skoryk said "Money in Lviv lays beneath your feet. The Lviv Oblast's possiblities to expand tourism are great and will continually develop." She sounded an optimistic note, observing: "I believe we still have many untapped resources" for Lviv's future economic growth.

But with economic growth come various ecological problems. Mrs. Skoryk attributes these problems to "a plundering of forests, which have caused deforestation and erosion, poor mining procedures that have led to the destruction of houses by way of sinkholes, as well as mining catastrophies such as the recent explosion in Krasnodon."

Many of these ecological problems, Mrs. Skoryk said, "seem to be a result of the government, lack of concern for the consequences of its actions." Mrs Skoryk also noted that "the Lviv Oblast does not have the financial ability to care for the victims of ecological disasters. Caring for these victims can only happen through national government funding."

Mrs. Skoryk also elaborated on Lviv's current water shortage due to the city's inadequate, old pipes, as well as the government's financial inability to fix these problems. Mrs. Skoryk commented that: "We're coming up with creative solutions, but these will not last. We need to fix the problem. Currently the government cannot come up with a viable solution."

She also cited her own personal solution: "I've created a catch for rainwater on the top of my building which I funnel down to my apartment."

When asked about the people's morale, the current situation and hopes for the future, Mrs. Skoryk offered: "Immediately following independence the people were filled with hope and joy for the future. It was such a new time with great potential. Many people wanted the wealth and well-being now." But Mrs. Skoryk is careful to note that the people of the Lviv Oblast are "some of the most patient people in the world" and although their wealth has not come over the past 10 years they still are filled with optimism and hope for the future. Mrs. Skoryk added, "the people are caring for their possessions - they're caring for their houses, yards and gardens - they have not given up hope."

Mrs. Skoryk believes much of the people's optimism lies in the potential of Prime Minister Viktor Yuschenko. "This is an individual who can bring great things to our country by means of a rational and thought-through approach," something she said is severely lacking in a country that is "dominated by chaos not rationality." Although recent developments have resulted in the ouster of Prime Minister Yuschenko and his government, "the people still have faith in Mr. Yuschenko and look forward to his return to government," Mrs. Skoryk added.

Mrs. Skoryk's outlook for the future is optimistic. She has the confidence to say that, although there has been little noticeable change since independence, she believes the people of Lviv Oblast are patient and certain that better times are ahead of them. "These are people who have great ability and have continually shown they can overcome hardship." Embodying Ukraine's sense of optimism in the face of adversity, Mrs. Skoryk ended by saying: "We have our country, our bread and a touch of butter. Everything will be good."

| Home Page |