LMF 2021 announced the first special guest: Franak Viačorka - media expert from Belarus

Just within a few weeks, Lviv will be hosting the main media event of Central-Eastern Europe. This year’s program consists of 8 thematic streams and attendees can expect 3 days of networking, lectures and discussions from Ukrainian and foreign media experts, digital professionals, specialists and journalists.

First announced speaker is a media analyst from Belarus, advisor to Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya: Franak Viačorka (Viachorka).

«Persecution and destruction of independent Belarusian media is not only a problem for Belarus journalists. It’s also important for the Ukrainian media to be aware of the situation and dangers that it may bring. Without free media Belarus will turn into an unpredictable authoritarian country which may cause tensions on the Belarus-Ukraine border. 

Ukrainian journalists not only have to support their colleagues by showing solidarity. It’s also important to show the truth to the international community. How it can be done effectively and benefit their and our freedom, Franak Viačorka will share at LMF opening, August 26,» say event organizers.

Franak Viacorka is Belarusian media expert and adviser to Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya. He served as a creative director of the Belarusian Radio Liberty bureau, an analyst at the U.S. Agency for Global Media - USAGM and Vice President of the Digital Communication Network.

We recall that earlier «Real Journalism Matters [Still]» was chosen as the main topic.