The National Public Broadcaster of Ukraine (NPBU) has presented a master plan for a new multimedia Newshouse at a launch in the capital Kyiv (July 3).

The Newshouse will be built using 1000 square meters of space in an old factory and aims to provide the best news service in Ukraine. In their brochure revealing the plans NPBU says that "Ukraine needs a free, financially and politically independent broadcaster serving its citizens with high quality and balanced news on all media platforms including social media."

NRBU say 248 staff will work in the Newshouse which has a projected budget of 2.5 million euros.

The master plan has been designed in close cooperation between NTU (National Television of Ukraine) and NRU (National Radio of Ukraine), international organizations NIRAS A/S and BBC Media Action and financially supported by the Danish Foreign Ministry. Two Danish EBU Members, DR and TV2, have also provided expert guidance.

The EBU Partnership Programme is helping NTU with strategic assistance and advice to help them with their transformation into a genuine public service broadcaster. The EBU Core Values of Universality, Independence, Excellence, Diversity, Innovation and Accountability were written on banners in English and Ukrainian at the launch. Former EBU Vice President Boris Bergant is part of the international task force supporting the reforms.

The Head of the EBU Partnership Programme Radka Betcheva, who was present at the launch, said she admired NPBU's determination: "I really believe that there is an excellent team here that is committed to transforming NTU."

The master plan will be implemented in several stages. Some reforms will be introduced immediately, others will need further financing and some will have to wait for the implementation of the new legal NPBU shareholders entity which will approve parts of the reorganization.