What did the GFMD community do?
In response to the war in Ukraine, GFMD urged increased support for independent media in the region, emphasising the urgent challenges posed by Russia’s assault on journalism. GFMD also strengthened collaboration and information-sharing among media-related organisations and began to push for long-term financial support. The heightened recognition of journalism’s value amid the crisis has extended to countries with a history of scepticism or hostility towards independent media, presenting a window of opportunity for journalism worldwide.
Can you give us examples?
Our collaborative support can be divided into five different initiatives. Some of them may be relevant to your situation.
1.Information-sharing and coordination to assess the critical needs for media support
Since the beginning of the war in Ukraine, GFMD has played a crucial role in fostering collaboration and coordination among media-related organisations. We have done this by facilitating information-sharing meetings involving a significant number of organisations and individuals working in the region. This, in turn, has provided a platform for needs assessment and coordination. Initially, GFMD focused on providing comprehensive support to Ukrainian colleagues through various means, including funding, protective gear, equipment, housing, training, and psychosocial support. We moved on from this crisis response for those on the ground to produce focused briefing documents for donors.
2. Perugia Declaration for Ukraine
In solidarity with Ukrainian journalists, GFMD has taken significant steps to advocate for the safety and sustainability of independent journalism in Ukraine through the Perugia Declaration for Ukraine. Launched globally with over 200 signatory organisations, the declaration calls for immediate action to safeguard the livelihoods and journalistic work of Ukrainian colleagues and ensure the long-term viability of independent media. Targeting international media, donors, the EU, and technology stakeholders, the declaration underscores the importance of collective efforts in the face of escalating threats. Launched in collaboration with the International Journalism Festival (IJF) in Perugia in 2022, the declaration condemns Russia’s attacks on press freedom. It outlines crucial measures for the safety and security of journalists reporting on the invasion.
Mira Milosevic, GFMD Executive Director, presents the Perugia Declaration for Ukraine at the International Journalism Festival in Perugia, 9 April 2022
The Declaration was presented at the World Press Freedom Day (WPFD) Conference in 2022, at a high-level session “Safety of Journalists in Ukraine War” organised by UNESCO and GFMD. One year after the launch of the Perugia Declaration for Ukraine, GFMD launched an updated Declaration in 2023 to propose additional calls to action to strengthen the further implementation of the declaration.
High-level session “Safety of Journalists in Ukraine War” organised by UNESCO and GFMD and moderated by GFMD’s Deputy Director Tom Law, May 4 2022
3. MediaDev Fundraising Guide in Ukrainian
In response to the changing funding landscape during the second year of the war in Ukraine, GFMD took proactive steps to support journalists and media by translating its MediaDev Fundraising Guide into Ukrainian. This guide equips media professionals with valuable insights into alternative income sources, offering tips on fundraising planning, identifying opportunities, writing proposals, and presenting budgets. Additionally, it provides a helpful lexicon of fundraising terminology.
GFMD also drew up an extensive list of emergency funding organisations and crisis resources, providing tangible support for journalists and media in Ukraine. This proactive initiative empowers GFMD to advocate for increased funds and the reallocation of resources to address the critical needs of Ukrainian colleagues.
4. The White Paper on long-term financial support for Ukrainian media and journalists
The White Paper on Long-term financial support for Ukrainian media and journalists, crafted jointly with Ukrainian media organisations and support entities and at their request, appeals to donors, policymakers, and other stakeholders in advocating for long-term financial support for Ukrainian media.As the war enters a new phase, and Ukrainians look towards reconstruction and recovery, Ukrainian media must now build the necessary resilience, infrastructure, and capacity required to navigate the complex and evolving landscape. The need for long-term financial support thus grows increasingly important: to provide the stability and resources necessary for media organisations to devise new business strategies; invest in quality, ethical, and independent journalism; and reconnect with audiences so that they can continue to serve their vital role of informing citizens, stimulating dialogue, and holding the government accountable.
To ensure that Ukrainian media move from mere survival to long-term vitality, we proposed a comprehensive strategy encompassing the following five pillars:
- innovative funding mechanisms;
- prioritisation of local-level media;
- a constructive enabling environment;
professional development; - media literacy.
GFMD proposed a comprehensive and strategic approach, outlining specific recommendations under each pillar to ensure the independence and sustainability of Ukrainian media as well as the effectiveness of international media support over the next five to ten years.
Olga Myrovych, Head of Lviv Media Forum, and Liza Bezushko, GFMD’s Campaigns and Communications Manager discuss the impact of the White Paper at the Re:COVER Conference in Krakow, Poland, on November 26, 2023
5. Tech and Journalism Crisis and Emergency Mechanism (T&JM)
GFMD initiated the creation of a Tech and Journalism Crisis and Emergency Mechanism to address content moderation challenges during crises, especially in the face of disinformation threats. The mechanism aims to establish an emergency and crisis system for public-interest journalism organisations, focusing on small and medium-sized media, and on community and investigative journalism organisations. The initiative seeks to strengthen content- and account-moderation systems to safeguard online freedom of expression. Learn more here.
What’s next? Is GFMD’s support ongoing?
Absolutely! GFMD remains committed to supporting the resilience and recovery of Ukrainian media and journalists. Our ongoing efforts include:
- Information-sharing: GFMD plans to continue coordination and information-sharing meetings with focused thematic agendas and briefings.
- Up-to-date resources: The translation of the MediaDev Fundraising Guide to Ukrainian, and ongoing updates to the fundraising resource centre, demonstrate GFMD’s commitment to assisting Ukrainian media in identifying alternative funding sources in the long term.
- Innovative funding mechanisms: GFMD, together with our members and partners, have recommended the development of a transparent funding framework with international donor involvement – such as the establishment of a Ukrainian Media Support Fund – to provide institutional support and align with market principles.
- Collaboration with stakeholders: GFMD will collaborate with various stakeholders, including governments, tech companies, and donors, to implement the recommendations outlined in the Perugia Declaration for Ukraine and White Paper.
- Continued advocacy efforts: The Perugia Declaration for Ukraine continues to serve as a foundation for ongoing advocacy efforts, addressing evolving challenges faced by journalists in conflict zones. Long-term strategic advocacy efforts are planned to sustain and improve the media development environment by monitoring the implementation of Ukraine’s new media law, protecting media freedom, and supporting co- and self-regulation mechanisms.
How can I join?
To subscribe to the GFMD mailing list dedicated to the Ukraine media support, please send an email to UKRAINE+subscribe@gfmd.groups.io. If you have questions or queries please contact us at ybezushko@gfmd.info.
Journalists and media across various regions face increasing threats, but GFMD is stepping up to provide essential support. Through regional meetings we bring together members and partners to address urgent media challenges, ensuring coordinated action and vital resources for those who require support. Learn more about GFMD’s MENA regional meeting here.