Emergency support for media and journalists in Ukraine in times of war: GFMD experience

Fact-based and conflict-sensitive public interest journalism is a major factor in the peacebuilding process as it helps to facilitate a dialogue between warring parties in the conflict. But in times of conflict media are much more exposed to intimidation and violence (not to mention various financial and technical obstacles) and therefore require consistent and time-efficient support from international media development organizations. This thesis emerged from a personal experience as a Communications Intern at the Global Forum for Media Development (GFMD), an international network of journalism support and media development organisations. Since the first days of the war in Ukraine in February 2022, GFMD started to coordinate a network of members and partners helping Ukrainian media and journalists. This study aims to explore to what extent the impact of media is crucial for alleviating the conflict and promoting peace, with a specific focus on the current media crisis in Ukraine and the growing need for emergency media support. Chapter 1 examines the role of communication and media in the process of peace building by analysing peace journalism as a tool that helps to think outside war propaganda and counter-violence. Chapter 2 explores the state of the Ukraine media landscape before and during the war providing the context for Ukrainian journalistic culture transformation and the increasing need for media support. Chapter 3 is devoted to the GFMD media support coordination efforts aimed to assist media and journalists in Ukraine during the ongoing war. Structured in-depth interviews with several media support actors help to identify key needs of media in Ukraine and suggest internationally relevant possible ways of enhancing efforts in providing emergency support.