The National Union of Journalists of Ukraine and the European Federation of Journalists Discuss Challenges Facing Ukrainian Media
Recently, the Brussels Press Club was the stage for a discussion between The National Union of Journalists of Ukraine and the European Federation of Journalists, focusing on the difficulties Ukrainian media outlets are facing in the midst of war.
Since the onset of the full-scale conflict in Ukraine, the media has been confronted with unprecedented obstacles, particularly in conflict zones and territories that have been liberated. Russian forces have targeted residential areas and editorial offices, resulting in the destruction of premises and printing houses. The already struggling advertising market in Ukraine has been further decimated, creating financial hardships for media organizations. More than 230 media outlets in Ukraine have been forced to shut down due to the ongoing war.
Anna Chernenko, who spearheaded the Center for Journalists’ Solidarity in Kharkiv, and Valentyna Fedorchuk, a dedicated journalist from Kherson who continued working even during the occupation of her city, were part of the dialogue.
The primary objective of the discussion was to underscore the urgent need for sustained support for Ukrainian media. Local outlets are grappling with the loss of revenue from advertising and are devoid of viable funding sources. An alarming statistic reveals that over 30% of Ukrainian media outlets have closed their doors, with another 20% losing access to their facilities and equipment due to occupation or destruction.
During the event, Anna Krasnostup, the Director of the Department of Information Policy and Information Security at the Ministry of Culture and Information Policy, highlighted the challenging circumstances faced by Ukrainian journalists. However, she emphasized that these journalists persist in their mission to provide the world with accurate information about the situation in Ukraine. The Ministry extends its support to journalists by facilitating collaborations with other services and government bodies.
