Viktor Chamara Honored Journalist of Ukraine. Date of Birth: 08.10.1952 Country: Ukraine

Biography of Viktor Chumara

Viktor Chumara is an acclaimed journalist from Ukraine, recognized as an Honored Journalist of Ukraine. He currently serves as the General Director of the State Information Agency of Ukraine, UKRINFORM.

Early Life and Education:
Viktor Chumara completed his secondary education and went on to study journalism at the Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv, graduating in 1975. He furthered his education by attending the Academy of Social Sciences in Moscow from 1984 to 1985.

Career:
Chumara's professional career began in May 1975 when he joined the Radio-Telegraph Agency of Ukraine (RATAU), currently known as the Ukrainian National Information Agency UKRINFORM. He held various positions within the agency, including senior editor, columnist, responsible editor, head of the editorial department, and deputy chief editor.

In 1985, Chumara was appointed as the Chief Editor of UKRINFORM, and in July 1990, he became the Deputy Director of the agency by a resolution of the Council of Ministers of the Ukrainian SSR. From July 1993, he served as the First Deputy General Director of UKRINFORM. In February 1997, he became the First Deputy General Director of the State Information Agency of Ukraine (DINAU), which later became UKRINFORM.

In 1999, Viktor Chumara was appointed as the General Director of UKRINFORM by the decree of the President of Ukraine. He continues to hold this position to this day.

Achievements and Contributions:
Chumara started his creative path during his school years, publishing articles in the district newspaper as a correspondent. He worked as a freelance journalist for various publications, including "Sportivna Hazeta," "Komsomolets Poltavshchyny," and "Molod Ukrayiny."

In 1986, Chumara was among the first Ukrainian journalists to cover the events related to the Chernobyl disaster. In December 1988, he covered the aftermath of a devastating earthquake in the Armenian cities of Spitak and Kirovakan, where Ukrainian specialists were involved in the rescue efforts.

Chumara has also been an author of several information projects and played a significant role in establishing the Black Sea Association of National Information Agencies. He is a member of the World Council of News Agencies and has served as the Head of the Revision Commission of the National Union of Journalists of Ukraine for three terms.

Personal Life and Awards:
Viktor Chumara is married and has two daughters. He is a laureate of the "Golden Pen" journalist award and has been honored with numerous accolades, including a commendation from the Presidium of the Supreme Council of the Ukrainian SSR, the Order of Merit (3rd Class), the Medal "In Memory of the 1500th Anniversary of Kyiv," and a gratitude from the President of Ukraine. He has also received Honorary Diplomas from the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine and the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine.