USAID

U-Media

Program Overview

Media in Ukraine

Download U-Media Information Sheet

Media Sustainability Index (MSI) 2006 - Ukraine

IREX, as a subgrantee of Internews, launched the USAID-funded U-Media program in late 2003. Building on the previous success of the ProMedia/Ukraine programs from 1996 to 2003, the IREX component of the U-Media program focuses on legal defense and education for media, support to print media associations, and training for independent print media outlets on professional journalism and business management skills.

KEY ISSUES AND OBJECTIVES

Improve legal environment and advocacy
Strengthen financial viability of independent print media
Increase availability and quality of news and information through the print media

PROJECT RESULTS

30 regional lawyers trained to defend journalists’ rights during 2006 elections.
Roundtables promote journalists rights and professional coverage of 2006 elections.

Project Activities

Legal Reform and Advocacy for the Media Sector: IREX works with local partners to improve the legal environment for media and strengthen advocacy for media rights. IREX’s Legal Defense and Education Program (LDEP) provides a variety of services to the media community in Ukraine including: legal consultation and training, a legal hotline, policy analysis and legislative drafting, and legal defense support for journalists and media outlets.
Financial and Business Management: By providing training, consultations, and other assistance to Ukrainian newspapers and the Ukrainian media-related NGOs, IREX helps newspapers develop their financial and management skills to support their long-term viability and development.
Professional News Reporting and Access to Information: IREX provides advanced training activities that support newspapers’ ability to offer objective news and information to their readers. IREX’s institutional support to media-related NGOs and the Crimean Information and Press Center (CIPC) helps ensure that local organizations are positioned to continue support to Ukraine’s independent print sector as international assistance to Ukraine declines.

IREX in Ukraine

IREX has worked in Ukraine since opening its Kyiv office in 1992 and has provided support to independent journalists in Ukraine since 1996. IREX activities in Ukraine focus on academic exchanges, university strengthening, building independent media, Internet development, and local alumni programming.