Welcome to the first issue of The Leading Question, a new initiative by Internews. Each month, we explore a question about the state of today’s media and connect you to the people who are shaping the answer.

This month’s Leading Question: Eight months into full-scale war, what’s it like to be a journalist in Ukraine?

Ukrainian journalists are on the frontlines of war. The Russian invasion has turned them into purveyors of lifesaving information to millions of citizens and internally displaced people, often at immense personal risk.

In this war, independent media outlets are a target. As of this week, Russia has committed 457 crimes against media in Ukraine. Invading forces are kidnapping and killing journalists, destroying broadcast towers, and blocking internet access.

In this inaugural issue of The Leading Question, we learn more about the crisis facing Ukrainian press from the source. We spoke with two civilian journalists who are documenting the invasion from its frontlines:

War Reporting in Ukraine: From the Frontlines

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The Institute of Mass Information (IMI), an Internews partner, is leading important research on the impact of the war on media professionals in Ukraine:

IMI Survey: The War’s Main Consequences for Journalists are the Increase in Stress and Access Issues

According to a survey by IMI, Ukrainian press report substantive increases in stress levels, personal risk, job insecurity, and restrictions on information access.

IMI: Russia Committed 457 Crimes Against Media in Ukraine

As of October 24, IMI has recorded the killing of 42 journalists in Ukraine by the Russian military, as well as the closure of 215 media outlets. The full list of documented violations is available here.

Insights and Stories from Across Internews

A new photo exhibit in Vilnius, Lithuania, highlights the courage of journalists covering Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. #OnTheFrontlineOfTruth features the work of 15 journalists documenting the brutality of the war, as well as the stories of courage and resilience of people who live on the frontlines.
Eight months into the Russia-Ukraine war, refugees in Romania are still struggling to access timely, relevant, and actionable information about their rights. Internews partnered with the Centre for Independent Journalism in Romania to understand the barriers that refugees are currently facing.

Tools and Resources from Other Experts

The Committee to Protect Journalists offers suggestions on physical safety for war reporters. “All war correspondents should have hostile environment training, up-to-date medical training, and the correct safety equipment,” the guide begins. Similarly, Thomson Reuters has a helpful guide for journalists on the frontlines that directly references the conflict in the Donbas prior to Russia’s full-scale invasion.
The Institute for Democracy, Media and Cultural Exchange offers case studies analyzing the behavior of journalists during the war in Ukraine. The case studies go into great detail about situations faced by reporters on the frontlines and offer helpful recommendations.
In its report, Long-Term Investments Pay Dividends in Ukraine, the Center for International Media Assistance paints a picture of the evolution of Ukrainian media since the country’s independence in 1991. “International media assistance has played a critical role in catalyzing and sustaining media sector advancements in Ukraine. The long-term commitments that helped build a robust Ukrainian media civil society are testimony to the success of a patient but persistent approach.”

To suggest a question for a future issue of The Leading Question — or to let us know how we are doing — please visit the form below:

Internews is a nonprofit that supports independent media in 100 countries – from radio stations in refugee camps, to hyper-local news outlets, to filmmakers and technologists. Internews trains journalists and digital rights activists, tackles disinformation, and offers business expertise to help media outlets thrive financially. For nearly 40 years, it has helped partners reach millions of people with trustworthy information that saves lives, improves livelihoods, and holds institutions accountable.

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