CNN will highlight politics, culture, and business in Ukraine in the new series, Eye On Ukraine (a feature in CNN’s international Eye On programming). The new attention comes on the heels of CNN reporter, Max Foster’s coverage of the June 2012 European Football Championship, which took place in Ukraine.
The series will cover tourism, energy and famous figures. Max Foster noted that Ukraine’s local resorts were incredibly popular with Russians, while the rest of the world is oblivious to Ukrainian leisure destinations. Reporters will also spotlight Odessa, “one of Ukraine’s biggest ports, to see how the global down turn has hit this once thriving part of the country” and the western Ukrainian city of Lviv, “once a significant stopping point on the main trade routes between the country’s east and west.” CNN also explores Ukraine’s cultural heritage, noting that five UNESCO World Heritage site are located in Ukraine; one of which is, Saint Sophia Cathedral in Kyiv, “built in the 11th century to symbolize the “new Constantinople”.
Ukraine’s energy industry, particularly issues concerning Ukraine’s transport of Russian gas to Europe, will be discussed. The program will also include an interview with Andriy Shevchenko, a celebrated striker for the Ukrainian national football team.
CNN listed statistical data about the country, uploaded a picture gallery, prepared a Ukraine-themed quiz, and launched an iReport assignment inviting users to “share the sights and sounds from Euro 2012 or your visits to other parts country that you think capture its [Ukraine’s] true flavor”.