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Poroshenko signs law demanding minimum 35% songs on air to be in Ukrainian language

The law contains a provision suggesting the share of broadcasts in the state language should be no less than 50% in the first year after the start of effectuation of the law

© EPA/STEPHANIE LECOCQ

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KIEV, July 6. /TASS/. President Pyotr Poroshenko of Ukraine has signed a law demanding that no less than 35% of songs put of air by radio stations should be in the Ukrainian language, the presidential press service said on Wednesday.

"The broadcasting organizations shall ensure the share of songs in the state language at a minimum of 35% of the overall amount of songs broadcast during the day and no less than 35% of the overall amount of songs aired from 07:00 hours to 14:00 hours and from 15:00 hours to 22:00 hours," the report says.

The law takes effect in four months' time after the date of publication. It contains a provision suggesting the share of broadcasts in the state language should be no less than 50% in the first year after the start of effectuation of the law, no less than 55% in the second year and no less than 60% in the third year.

On June 13, the Verkhovna Rada national parliament signed a bill 'On Changes in Selected Laws of Ukraine Regarding the Shares of Musical Pieces in the State Language in Radio and Television Programmes'.

In practical terms, this means that one song in three and all the talk shows should be broadcast in the Ukrainian language.

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