UNESCO - United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization

12/11/2024 | News release | Distributed by Public on 12/12/2024 04:28

Empowering journalists in Ukraine: UNESCO and Lviv Media Forum drive excellence and innovation

This initiative aims to strengthen the skills of Ukrainian media professionals ensuring that their outlets remain competitive, sustainable and resilient despite continuous challenges which include economic strain and loss of advertising revenue, rapid technological advancements, damage to media infrastructure, and threats to journalists safety.

The 2024 programme included 10 trainings and 50 expert consultations across key domainssuch as content creation, social media promotion, search engine optimization, financial management, and digital security. These consultations sought to elevatejournalism standards and fostersustainable business models.

Success Story: Building Stronger Media Outlets

One success story comes from Radio Nakypilo, whichutilized the programmeto refine its business strategywith guidance from expert Kateryna Venzhyk. The team developed a clear business model and strategic plan, establishinga new commercial department. They created a banner gridand an improved media kitwhileidentifying privacy-consciousadvertising strategies that resonate with their audience.

Lviv Media Forum

Together with the expert, we developed ways to collaborate with advertisers and package offers. We also explored how to create partnerships and social and editorial projects, and how to communicate and sell them to potential advertisers.

Nataliya Popovych from Horodok.city

Thanks to the consultation, we received very detailed recommendations and a clear understanding of how to organize focus groups. It was clear that expert Anna Lasiy was sharing tailored recommendations specifically for us, not generic template knowledge.

Lyudmyla Yavorska from misto.media

I liked that, in addition to answering questions, I also received a review of my materials. This helped me see my strengths and weaknesses. Particularly valuable were Otar Dovzhenko's tips on crafting headlines for lengthy pieces.

Olha Babyshena from Espreso

Other participants shared their experiences:

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Tailored Training and Knowledge Sharing

The Media Excellence Programme, represents a significant step forward in supporting Ukraine's journalism sector during a critical time. By combining expertise, innovative approaches, and practical tools, the initiative equips media professionals with the skills they need to adapt and thrive. UNESCO and the Lviv Media Forum's efforts underscore the importance of investing in media resilience to safeguard informed, engaged societies worldwide.

This project is implemented by Lviv Media Forum with the support of UNESCO's International Programme for the Development of Communications (IPDC). The program is part of UNESCO's broader efforts to support the Safety of Journalists and Freedom of Expression in Ukraine.