International organisation Reporters Without Borders calls for the creation of an international fund for the reconstruction of Ukrainian media
The international organisation Reporters Without Borders (RSF), together with The Fix, a research and advisory company for media professionals, published a report entitled ‘From Resilience to Recovery: Securing the Future of Ukrainian Media’. In this document, they called for the creation of the International Foundation for the Reconstruction of Ukrainian Media (IFRUM) to guarantee media independence and protect the right of citizens to receive objective information.
The RSF noted that after the start of Russia’s full-scale aggression on 24 February 2022, the situation for journalists in Ukraine has become much more difficult. At least 20 TV towers have been damaged by Russian shelling, and mobilisation and mass emigration have further exacerbated the problem of staff shortages in the media sector. In addition, the Ukrainian media has had to contend with disinformation and propaganda spread on unregulated social media, especially on Telegram, alongside news coverage.
The economic situation has also deteriorated, with Ukrainian media revenues plummeting and many outlets now dependent on donor support, which is declining. According to RSF, in 2021, 70% of the media surveyed rated their financial independence at over 90%, while in 2023, only 14% of media outlets could boast of such self-sufficiency. In addition, media operating costs have increased by an average of 24% due to inflation, the cost of security equipment and the need to relocate employees away from the frontline, where rent is much more expensive.
Analysts estimate that to ensure the sustainability of Ukrainian independent media over the next three years, USD 96 million is needed to raise funds. These funds will help cover the operating and administrative costs of media companies, allowing them to continue their work.
In this regard, the RSF insists on the creation of a transparent and independent IFRUM fund, which will be autonomous from state funding and will be subordinated to a special committee. The distribution of funds should be based on strict and transparent criteria.
In addition, the Ukrainian government is urged to adopt economic measures that will help the media stabilise and renew their long-term investments. The report also emphasises the importance of preserving the editorial and financial independence of the Public Broadcaster, in line with the European Media Freedom Act (EMFA).
RSF also expresses concern about unjustified and costly restrictive measures, such as the joint telethon ‘United News’, and calls on the Ukrainian authorities to stop putting pressure on journalists, allowing them to freely report on the war.
In addition, the organisation proposes the creation of an Independent Platform Regulatory Authority (IPRA) to annually check the state of disinformation and analyse content on social media, especially on Telegram.
