WAN-IFRA takes steps to support Ukrainian media

WAN-IFRA – The World Association of Newspapers and News Publishers – has identified a number of key priority areas for supporting the Ukrainian press, and outlined how the global industry can help. The association has previously launched a support fund for Ukrainian media on the ground, which is currently being distributed by national associations operating within the country. 

At a recent meeting, which was attended by 32 people including Ukrainian representatives, the following four key areas were identified as priorities for the country’s media: 

• Financial support to ensure that the press can keep publishing
• Newsprint
• Insurance for journalists
• Distribution of Ukrainian content to refugees

In the longer term, assistance is needed to ensure that whenever the war will be over, the free and independent press in Ukraine is preserved.  

In response to offers of financial assistance from members, the ‘We, the Media’ fund was launched, and has already allowed the organisation to send €100,000+ so far to the country. Additionally, some funds have been made available to Russian media professionals who have been forced to flee their own country since the war began. 

You can view the latest from the association, including the statements it has so far made on the protection of journalists and support for independent media, here.