A delegation of Ukrainian media managers and journalists concluded a series of programs in mid-March designed to bolster the country’s independent media landscape amid ongoing conflict, according to announcements from WAN-IFRA and the AIRPU (Association of Independent Press in Ukraine). The initiatives, encompassing investigative journalism training, newsroom partnerships and the publication of a wartime reporting handbook, represent a sustained international effort to support Ukrainian journalism.
Strengthening Investigative Capacity
From March 2-6, nearly 40 journalists from 18 regional Ukrainian newsrooms participated in an Investigative Bootcamp, focused on enhancing skills in data analysis, fact-checking, and open-source intelligence. The intensive program covered data scraping, automation tools, and data visualization using platforms like DataWrapper and Flourish. Sessions also addressed investigations into illicit enrichment and misuse of public funds, drawing on the expertise of experienced investigative reporters.
Participants developed investigative plans under mentor guidance, with the goal of producing at least six investigative stories per newsroom over the coming year. This initiative builds on a broader program, the Stronger Together: Transparency and Anti-Corruption initiative, and aims to reinforce the role of regional media in promoting accountability during Ukraine’s reconstruction.
The bootcamp culminated in the distribution of a recent handbook, “Investigative Journalism and Democratic Accountability During Wartime.” The publication details the work of 18 regional newsrooms supported by six investigative mentors, documenting the production of 105 investigations over six months. Twelve case studies are featured as examples of accountability reporting during wartime. The handbook is structured around themes including public finance oversight, the wartime economy, and information influence.
Norwegian Partnerships Programme Launched
In mid-March, a Ukrainian delegation travelled to Oslo to formally launch the Norwegian Partnerships Programme. The program, a year-long collaboration, pairs four Ukrainian regional newsrooms with four Norwegian counterparts. Partnership memoranda were signed in Oslo, initiating a period of hands-on exchange and knowledge transfer.
Ukrainian journalists spent the week embedded in Norwegian newsrooms, observing editorial workflows, digital transformation strategies, subscription models, and newsroom management practices. The program is designed to foster sustained collaboration, professional exchange, and mutual learning, with reciprocal visits planned throughout 2026.
WAN-IFRA CEO Stig Ørskov emphasized the importance of long-term cooperation in strengthening regional independent journalism, particularly given the challenges faced by Ukrainian media operating under wartime conditions. The initiative aims to build resilience, protect press freedom, and promote sustainable development within both countries’ media sectors.
Capacity Building and Selection Process
The current phase of support follows a comprehensive review process conducted at the beginning of the year. According to AIRPU, 124 new applications were assessed alongside 40 final reports from Year 1 participants to determine eligibility for continued support in 2026. Twenty-two Ukrainian media outlets were selected for institutional capacity support, whereas 18 were chosen to receive investigative journalism grants. The selections were based on demonstrated progress and readiness to strengthen sustainability, editorial impact, and organizational resilience.
In April, the program will support the participation of 10 Ukrainian journalists from 10 regional media outlets at the SKUP Conference in Norway, the country’s leading annual investigative journalism festival. Participants will attend the festival and participate in a dedicated masterclass focused on practical skills, new investigative methods, and cross-border collaboration.
