Italians will help Izium newspaper with arrangement of newsroom premises

Thanks to the support of Italian friends, the National Union of Journalists of Ukraine (NUJU), and the local authorities, the Obrii Iziumshchyny newspaper, whose newsroom was significantly destroyed by the occupiers, hopes to significantly improve its working conditions.

When, during the occupation of Izium, the premises of the newspaper’s newsroom suffered significant destruction, the newspaper was forced to look for a new shelter. Thanks to the support of local authorities, a year ago, there was an opportunity to temporarily register in the premises of the Izium District Administration. It was there that, in a short period of time, it was possible to establish a regular publication of the newspaper and resume live broadcasts of the media studio.

It is obvious that, with the passage of time, the needs have increased. The journalists felt the need for further improvement of the production process, in particular, providing the newsroom with the necessary equipment creating proper conditions for work.

Continuous analysis to expand the possibilities was crowned with success. A suitable premises was found in the building at 18 Pokrovska Street. But its repair requires funds. This is where the NUJU lent a friendly shoulder. At the end of May 2023, its President, Sergiy Tomilenko, visited Izium and got acquainted with the state of development of the information space in the front-line zone. His visit contributed to establishing ties with international partners. And the Italians were the first to respond to the needs of the newspaper team.

Last Friday, they paid a friendly visit to Izium. The interest concerned not only the general situation of the front-line city but also specific projects regarding support in its reconstruction. Foreign colleagues had a meeting with the mayor’s office and visited the places of most significant destruction. Maksuda Rudenko, the head of the Izium Department of Housing and Communal Services, conducted a tour and provided the guests with information about the prospects for the renaissance of social infrastructure. Among the important issues were the premises for the newspaper’s newsroom. The Italians inspected the object and outlined a certain plan for its restoration.

Mykola Kaliuzhnyi, author’s photo