Dismissed from Belarusian TV Dorofeev Going to Work in Ukraine

Belarusian TV presenter Sergei Dorofeev signed a three year contract with the Ukrainian "Fifth Channel." Now, the journalist will be working in Kiev, where he's been since June. It is planned that his new analysis program will be very similar to the talk show "Choice Plus," which he used to lead on channel ONT.

According to the journalist, he could find work in Belarus, writes "Komsomolskaya Pravda."

"But the departure was the only way to save myself as a personality. I haven't been given choice, speaking both literally and figuratively. As for the ONT, the channel didn't need my production work as well. I haven't had enough time to implement my plans about the changed variant of the morning broadcast. They asked me to come. and said: "Give a notice." When asked about the reason the reply was: "You've failed to hold together the team." All is clear ... I've been unable to see Chairman of the Board. First deputy talked to me, passing the chairman's words. It was obvious how difficult it was for him to tell me all that. Everybody understood everything. I've gone. He's gone," said Sergei Dorofeev.

I've been Looking for Job since December 20, Dorofeev

TV presenter also said that he'd expected his dismissal from the public channel even before the presidential elections.

"I have always realized that the rating talk show, where everything is debated, criticized, where the host asks awkward questions to high officials, is, of course, necessary for every channel, but exactly such programs can be closed at any time. All came to its end not on the first day, but the first night after the election. I've been always telling to myself: any broadcast may be the last. By and large, I began looking for a job in the morning of December 20. I've been to Kiev, Moscow more than once," he explained.

Since Sergei Dorofeev has the Ukrainian roots, he's decided to stay in Kiev.

"My father is Ukrainian. In Ukraine, I buried my grandparents, so this country has always been close to me, I'm a frequent visitor here. My parents studied in Kiev. It is my hometown," said the journalist.

Also, job offers, available on Kiev TV, he said, "were more attractive."

"I was lucky enough to meet the man who introduced me to the top managers of the Ukrainian TV. In the end, I signed a three-year contract with "Channel Five." "Responsibilities – TV presenting, editor's work." "Channel Five" is the first Ukrainian news channel: news, analysis programs, interviews and talk shows - all the things that I used to do in Belarus," said Sergei Dorofeev.

For the first time viewers will see him in fall, while the journalist is currently examining the political situation in the country.

Zanussi Invited Dorofeev in Poland

"I will work in a daily news program "Chas" ("Time"). This program sums up the day, but not in the format of the newscast, but in the format of the interview of an analyst with the guests in the studio. I'm also preparing a project similar to my former "Choice Plus." Heroes are not only from the Ukraine. We are ready for business trips. I've already interviewed Polish director Krzysztof Zanussi. By the way, Mr. Zanussi offered me his help," he said.

However, at that moment Sergei Dorofeev could not go to Poland to work there.

I can Do for Belarus More than at Home, Dorofeev

"Local politicians and journalists say today that I can do more for the Belarusian audience here in Kyiv, than at home. It calmed me down. I hope to benefit to the Ukrainian journalism. But I remain in the Belarusian journalism. I have only one homeland," says Sergei Dorofeev.

In addition, according to Sergei Dorofeev, the Ukrainian journalism is actually independent. "One can practice journalism in its true sense. "Channel Five" "is independent from any government or opposition. Not all Ukrainian broadcasters can be characterized in this way. Of course, absolute independence is not the case, one should consider the owners' interests. However, there are variations, allowing the journalist to feel more or less comfortable in the profession," said TV presenter.

He lives in the heart of the Ukrainian capital; employers helped him to find an apartment. Now he intends to learn the Ukrainian language.

As Telegraf previously reported, ONT TV channel host Sergei Dorofeev was dismissed on December 20. TV Guide was "dissatisfied" with the way the journalist had led the live broadcast of the program on the results of presidential elections, and then fired him.

During the live talk show "Choice," which took place several hours after the polls closed, chairman of the Central Election Commission of Belarus Lidia Yermoshina, participating in the program, left the studio, saying that Sergei Dorofeev had "got her goat."