Ukraine Media Partnership Program (UMPP)

Program Overview

Media in Ukraine

Media Sustainability Index (MSI) 2006 - Ukraine

The Ukraine Media Partnership Program (UMPP) develops the professionalism of the Ukrainian media sector by creating and fostering long-term professional relationships between American and Ukrainian media outlets. UMPP was launched in 2002 with funding from the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs (ECA) of the US Department of State. Since 2005, the Public Affairs Section of the US Embassy in Ukraine has funded UMPP.

KEY ISSUES AND OBJECTIVES

Enhance the business and journalism skills of independent media to improve sustainability and professionalism
Expand Ukrainian media's positive role in informing citizens about political, economic, and social issues

PROJECT RESULTS

Training provided to more than 80 Ukrainian journalists and managers at more than 15 US media outlets
More than 45 US media professionals provided consulting and mentoring at more than 15 Ukrainian media outlets to share best practices for independent media development

Project Activities

Partnerships Between US and Ukrainian Media Outlets:
IREX pairs Ukrainian media organizations with US media organizations for mutual staff exchanges. The professional interaction enhances the skills of the Ukrainian partners through practical, on-site collaboration, and the sharing of best practices in the following areas:
- Business Management including advertising, sales, distribution, and human resources
- Journalism including community journalism, investigative reporting, audience interaction, and coverage of political, economic, and social issues in the community
- New Technologies including Internet, mobile phone communications (SMS), and video and audio streaming software
Internet Training: UMPP works closely with IREX's Internet Access and Training Program (IATP) to provide training and assistance with website design and maintenance, professional sales presentations, and online journalism.

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.

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