JSCs: Supporting Young Media Workers During the War

In war conditions, supporting young journalists has become one of the important areas of work of the NUJU‘s JSCs. The Centers have developed a comprehensive assistance program that includes:

• Educational support: regular training and master classes from experienced journalists
• Practical training: internships in newsrooms and the opportunity to gain first professional experience
• Career development: information about vacancies and establishing contacts with potential employers
• Mentoring: meetings with successful young journalists who share their experience of working during the war
• Networking: creating a professional community for exchanging experience and mutual support

“It is the current generation of young journalists who are called upon to shape freedom of speech in our country. It is extremely important that student journalists do not just receive an education but go to work in the profession,” emphasizes Ihor Maslov, a representative of the National Council for Television and Radio Broadcasting in the Ivano-Frankivsk Region.

A prime example of such support was the TV discussion called Our Freedom Depends on Freedom of Speech, organized by the Ivano-Frankivsk JSC, together with the RAI TV channel. The event brought together experienced media professionals and beginners, creating a platform for discussing the current challenges of wartime and opportunities for professional development.

The paradox of the situation is that while young specialists are unsuccessfully looking for work, many Ukrainian media outlets are experiencing an acute shortage of personnel. The situation is especially critical in front-line regions, where newsrooms are losing employees due to mobilization and people leaving for safer places. The JSCs are becoming a bridge that helps media outlets find new staff, and young journalists receive the necessary support at the start of their careers.

The JSCs strive not only to help young professionals start their careers but also to support the personnel stability of Ukrainian media in general, which is especially important in times of war.

ABOUT UNESCO

UNESCO is the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization. It contributes to peace and security by promoting international cooperation in education, sciences, culture, communication, and information. UNESCO promotes knowledge sharing and the free flow of ideas to accelerate mutual understanding. It is the coordinator of the UN Action Plan on the Safety of Journalists and the Issue of Impunity, which aims to create a free and safe environment for journalists and media workers, thus strengthening peace, democracy, and sustainable development worldwide. UNESCO is working closely with its partner organizations in Ukraine to provide support to journalists on the ground.

The designations employed and the presentation of material throughout this digest do not imply the expression of any opinion whatsoever on the part of UNESCO concerning the legal status of any country, territory, city, or area or its authorities or concerning the delimitation of its frontiers or boundaries.

The authors are responsible for the choice and the presentation of the facts contained in this digest and for the opinions expressed therein, which are not necessarily those of UNESCO and do not commit to the organization.