CME’s fancy steps in Ukraine

Focus is an indispensable attribute for broadcast management. CME’s management has focused on Ukraine where the television market is expanding furiously. As with all Eastern Europe media markets the dance starts slowly.

Central European Media Enterprises (CME) President Michael Garin knows about focus. Two years working on the company’s Ukraine franchise, one foot in front of the other, brings reality one step closer. Yesterday the company announced that it has secured effective financial and operational control over television company Studio 1+1. (Read the CME statement here)

Hopak is Ukraine’s famous traditional dance. It starts slowly, builds furiously and ends to great applause. It requires a large troupe, big stage and very careful motion. The solution for Studio 1+1 is like hopak; part dance and part martial art.

Last week CME secured another billionaire for its Board, not to forget a sizable investment. They already have Ronald Lauder. You can’t have too few these days. This new board member billionaire is Ukrainian oil, gas, mining and media tycoon Igor Kolomoisky. Not all that long ago Mr. Kolomoisky coveted Studio 1+1. No diligent observer of Eastern Europe media or business believes in pure serendipity.

Alexander Rodnyansky remains Studio 1+1’s direct license holder, though he has moved on to CTC Media as CEO. By coincidence CTC Media made it’s own announcement yesterday of a significant television investment in Kazakhstan. (Read CTC Media announcement here)

Last Saturday night Ukraine placed second (to Finland) in the first Eurovision Dance Contest. - September 5, 2007

Keywords:television in Ukraine, CME

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