Four years on: Strengthening independent media in Ukraine
From facing physical danger and financial instability to relentless propaganda and disinformation campaigns, news organisations and journalists in the country are under extraordinary pressure.
As disinformation intensifies, the role of free and independent media in Ukraine has never been more crucial.
Independent journalism is essential to counter false narratives, provide verified information to citizens, and support the resilience of Ukrainian society. But the daily realities of war are harsh: Newsrooms operate amid air raids, power outages, economic disruption, and constant uncertainty. Yet they continue to investigate, report from the frontlines, and hold institutions accountable.
A collective commitment
Through the Stronger Together programme under the Nansen framework, implemented in partnership with AIRPPU (Association of Independent Regional Publishers of Ukraine) and MBL (Norwegian Media Businesses’ Association), WAN-IFRA has supported regional Ukrainian newsrooms with grants, investigative journalism training, leadership development, mentorship, and digital transformation support.
This work goes beyond emergency assistance – it focuses on strengthening financial sustainability, building resilient leadership, fostering professional networks, and supporting the production of high-quality investigative journalism.
Since the programme’s launch, participating newsrooms have published more than 90 investigative stories, strengthened their business models, and deepened collaboration with Norwegian partners.
As the programme continues through to the end of 2027, WAN-IFRA remains committed to reinforcing the independence and long-term sustainability of Ukrainian regional media – because strong local journalism is essential to democratic stability and civil society.
Launch of the Norwegian Partnerships Programme
As part of Stronger Together, a new initiative – the Norwegian Partnerships Programme – has now also been launched. The programme pairs four Ukrainian and four Norwegian newsrooms for structured, year-long cooperation.
The first online meeting took place on 23 February, when Ukrainian editors shared their experiences operating during wartime, discussed digital transformation efforts, and outlined expectations for collaboration to their Norwegian partners.
“Stronger Together speaks for itself – we become stronger when we work together and learn from one another,” said Randi Øgrey, CEO of MBL, during the opening session.
The programme will now move from online dialogue to hands-on cooperation.
On 16 March, Ukrainian media managers will gather in Oslo for the official kick-off. During the visit, they will work directly inside Norwegian newsrooms, observing editorial workflows, monetisation strategies, subscription models, and management approaches – while also sharing their own real-life experiences of running newsrooms under war-time conditions.
The partnership pairs include:
- Agderposten — Visnyk Ch (Chernihiv)
- Altignet — Kremenchutskyi Telegraf (Kremenchuk)
- Amedia — Bergensavisen — RIA+ / 20 Hvylyn (Ternopil)
- Fædrelandsvennen — Dostup Media (Kropyvnytskyi)
This is more than an exchange of visits. It is a long-term commitment to joint work, open dialogue, and professional solidarity.
Continuing the commitment
After four years of war, one message is clear: independent Ukrainian journalism is essential to democratic resilience. Media that report from the front, inform their communities, and expose wrongdoing are a cornerstone of civil society. At WAN-IFRA, we remain committed to supporting our Ukrainian members and partners. The work continues – not in isolation, but together.
Sources: Norwegian Media Businesses’ Association (MBL) and Association of Independent Regional Publishers of Ukraine (AIRPPU)
