Disaster Response Ukraine Project #55536

Support Ukrainian Journalists Reporting Conflict

by Internews

Project Report | Feb 7, 2023
Research Shows Local Media Is Critical In Ukraine

By Lena Fultz | Sr Business Development Associate, Private Sector

At the close of 2022,our USAID/Internews annual survey into media consumption habits in Ukraine revealedsome notablechanges since Russia’s escalated invasion in February 2022. Despite the war, 23% of respondents said they were ready to pay for access to their favorite digital media, up from 20% last year. Ukrainian’s ability to assess and filter out disinformation is continuing to rise. But most notably, Ukrainians have come to rely more and more on regional and local news outlets. This is Internews’ glimmer of hope—proof that our work is vital to the lives of Ukrainians navigatingthe uncertainty of war.

At Internews we believe that access to timely, quality information saves lives, but in times of crisis, those who deliver that information face paramount physical and digital risks. In Ukraine, Journalists and media workers remain the targets of continued attacks. In January alone:

Since our last update, we’ve continued to provide newsrooms with supplies to continue their work—laptops, cameras, mobile phones and other equipment—along with deliveringmedical kits, bulletproof vests, heaters and other weather-resistant supplies to journalists at risk. Through legal assistanceand trainings on physical safety, tactical first aid, digital hygiene, and cybersecurity, we empower journalists to better advocate for themselves and the communities they serve.

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“I’ve met few, if any, journalists during a crisis who wanted to get out of the profession. They wanted a flak jacket, a replacement laptop, or a safe place to stay so they could keep trustworthy information flowing to their communities and to the world. Ukrainian journalists are proving just that — they keep reporting, inspiring worldwide support, and providing citizens with information that saves lives.”

– From Internews President Jeanne Bourgault’s op-ed in Chronicle of Philanthropy

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Internews remains committed to supporting Ukrainian journalists and an independent media sector on the frontlines of war. With flexible funding thanks to partners like GlobalGiving, Internews has acted rapidly and proactively since the start of the Ukrainian war, and we continue to adapt to a changing media landscape to spread lifesaving information—first by ensuring the journalists and newsrooms on the ground are able to carry out their duties safely and responsibly.

You make our work possible. Thank you for your continued support.

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Oct 11, 2022
Renewed Conflict and Continued Need

By Lena Fulz | Sr Business Development Associate, Private Sector

As the war continues, and amidst the most recent mass missile attack in the country, Ukrainian journalists and media outlets remain in need of support and protection.

Since February 2022, a total of 40 Ukrainian Journalists have been killed, 8 while carrying out professional duties. In September alone:

The editor of a local newspaper was kidnapped from her home by Russian forces
Ukrainian film crews were directly targeted by Russian drone attacks
Local media organizations faced digital attacks, harassment, and threats of imprisonment
Russian forces established propaganda radio stations, newspapers, and TV channels in occupied territories
International media outlets unknowingly spread staged Russian reports, falsely claiming a majority of Ukrainians had voted in favor of joining Russia

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“It’s local media that bring lifesaving information to communities about conflict areas to avoid, where to take shelter and get food, and how to travel safely. Not only do they report in local languages that local populations understand but they offer detailed, real-time information about available resources.”

– From Internews President Jeanne Bourgault’s op-ed in the Chronicle of Philanthropy

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Because of your continued support, Internews has now relocated 195 journalists, repurposed our offices in Moldova and Lithuania to support refugee communication efforts, and funded the procurement of emergency equipment: 250 flak jackets, 552 tactical medical kits, and 602 lifesaving items (tourniquets, bandages, antibiotics, drinking water treatment tablets).

Alongside immediate emergency relief, we’ve created and delivered resources to over 238 Ukrainian regional and local media outlets by:

Offering trainings on physical safety, tactical first aid, digital hygiene, and cybersecurity to 315 journalists across Ukraine
Supporting the monitoring of violations of journalists’ rights and the provision of legal assistance for 754 journalists
Supporting our partners’ training of 880 journalists to cover the war responsibly and ethically

Internews is committed to preserving the nearly 30 years of work we’ve done to support Ukraine’s independent media sector, and we remain dedicated and hopeful amidst the current complex humanitarian emergency.

We sincerely thank you for your donations, on behalf of our organization and the journalists risking their lives on the ground every day. It wouldn’t be possible without you.

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Jun 13, 2022
Continuing Support of Ukrainian Journalists

By Erica Evans | Sr Business Development Specialist, Private Sector

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