December 10th, the Novomedia Association and the President Ruslan Kukharchuk held press conference at the National University of Taras Shevchenko in Lugansk. The meeting was focused on the special topic "Religious literacy for the secular journalists: a joint project of the Novomedia Association and Ukrainian Universities." Valentine N. Galich, Head of the Department of Journalism and Publishing, Professor, Doctor of Philology also took part at the conference.

Ruslan Kukharchuk informed everyone about work of the Novomedia Association in higher educational institutions of Ukraine, where future journalistsare studying. Head of Novomedia mentioned: "This project goes about a year already. There are different lectures, seminars, workshops for students, including topic: "Lighting of religious subjects in the secular Media. Also, this project involves participation of students in the creative competition on the topic "Religious diversity in the region. We will publish the best works and the winner will receive a certificate and some cash.

Valentine Galich marked that students and teachers of the University are happy to communicate with people who have high civic attitude and high level of professionalism. She said: "Today more than ever we feel that society needs ethical and moral foundation, based on the principles of high ethics. I hope our meeting will have effect for setting up relationships between secular and religious media." 

During the press conference, Ruslan Kukharchuk focused attention of audience on the problem of unprofessional media coverage as for religious issues.  He highlighted the main problems such as: ignoring social religious aspects, political and economic processes, ignoring the role of Christian communities and their social work; appeal to religious topics only on big Holidays such as Easter, Christmas. Also it’s wrong manipulation stamp for hundreds of thousands Christians of Evangelical denominations, etc..

"Understanding all complications and being in that situation the Association of Journalists "Novomedia " still need help of secular journalists to cover religious issues professionally. We do not promote the interests of any churches in the media, especially -individual members of some church. We promote the relevance of religious topics in secular media", - said Ruslan V. Kukharchuk.  

After the press conference Kukharchuk held two-hour seminar for the  students. He laid out two topics: “Religious themes in secular media "and "Civilian Journalism. Blogosphere.” The speaker shared his own experience, and encouraged future journalists for professional practice. He also offered for students some of his professional ideas for interesting  coverage of religious subjects in secular media.

During the final conversation, Valentine Galich and Ruslan Kuharchuk noted that cooperation between the Department of Journalism and Publishing LNU Shevchenko and the Novomedia Association will develop further.