Ukrainian Journalism Stands Firm Amidst War, Bolstered by International Partnerships
KYIV, Ukraine – As the conflict in Ukraine stretches into its fifth year, journalists and news organizations within the country continue to face immense pressure – from physical danger and economic hardship to a relentless barrage of disinformation. Yet, despite these challenges, independent media in Ukraine remains a vital force, providing verified information and bolstering societal resilience.
The war has digitally “supercharged” disinformation campaigns, according to reports, making the role of free and independent reporting more crucial than ever. Newsrooms operate under the constant threat of air raids and power outages, navigating economic disruption and pervasive uncertainty. Despite these harsh realities, Ukrainian journalists continue to investigate, report from the front lines, and hold power accountable.
Recognizing the critical need for support, the World Association of News Publishers (WAN-IFRA), in partnership with the Association of Independent Regional Publishers of Ukraine (AIRPPU) and the Norwegian Media Businesses’ Association (MBL), launched the “Stronger Together” program under the Nansen framework. This initiative provides regional Ukrainian newsrooms with grants, investigative journalism training, leadership development, mentorship, and digital transformation assistance.
Since its inception, the program has facilitated the publication of over 90 investigative stories and strengthened the business models of participating newsrooms. It also fosters collaboration with Norwegian partners, offering a crucial lifeline for Ukrainian media.
A new component of “Stronger Together,” the Norwegian Partnerships Programme, pairs four Ukrainian and four Norwegian newsrooms for year-long collaborations. The initiative kicked off with an online meeting on February 23, where Ukrainian editors shared their experiences operating in a war zone and discussed digital transformation efforts.
“Stronger Together speaks for itself – we become stronger when we work together and learn from one another,” said Randi Øgrey, CEO of MBL, during the opening session.
The program will culminate in a visit to Oslo on March 16, where Ukrainian media managers will observe editorial workflows, monetization strategies, and management approaches within Norwegian newsrooms, while also sharing their own experiences. The pairings include: Agderposten with Visnyk Ch (Chernihiv), Altignet with Kremenchutskyi Telegraf (Kremenchuk), Amedia and Bergensavisen with RIA+ / 20 Hvylyn (Ternopil), and Fædrelandsvennen with Dostup Media (Kropyvnytskyi).
This isn’t simply an exchange of visits; it’s a long-term commitment to joint work, open dialogue, and professional solidarity. WAN-IFRA emphasizes that its commitment extends beyond emergency assistance, focusing on long-term sustainability, resilient leadership, and professional networks.
The ongoing support for independent Ukrainian journalism is seen as essential to democratic stability and civil society. As the program continues through the end of 2027, WAN-IFRA remains dedicated to reinforcing the independence and long-term viability of Ukrainian regional media.
Sources: Norwegian Media Businesses’ Association (MBL) and Association of Independent Regional Publishers of Ukraine (AIRPPU).