Findings from a Journalist Survey
A recent survey by the Institute of Mass Information (IMI), involving 265 Ukrainian journalists, exposed a striking lack of readiness among media professionals to face the dangers posed by the ongoing war. The study highlights insufficient knowledge of critical safety skills, such as applying tourniquets and responding appropriately during shelling, alongside significant technical and staffing challenges within newsrooms.
Only 1.9% of those surveyed (5 out of 265) consider themselves fully prepared to handle wartime threats. Although 15.1% of journalists regularly carry tourniquets, most lack the training to use them effectively. When under fire, respondents reported varying reactions:
- 39% seek shelter in corridors,
- 26% remain in place without taking action,
- 7.9% actively look for cover.
These responses underscore a lack of clear protocols for emergency situations.
Technical resources also remain limited, with 51.7% of respondents lacking essential equipment such as charging stations, generators, or inverters, complicating their work under conflict conditions. Staffing issues are equally concerning:
- 38.5% of newsrooms rely heavily on just one or two individuals,
- 28.7% struggle to fill key positions,
- 25.7% have longstanding vacancies that remain unfilled,
- 43.8% face three or more simultaneous staffing challenges.
Additionally, nearly half of the journalists (49.1%) report increased workloads, and one in five cannot take adequate leave.
Mental Health Among Journalists
The psychological well-being of journalists is a critical concern. More than half (56.6%) of media teams experience burnout, yet only 14.7% have access to professional psychological support. Financial barriers to therapy affect 50.6% of female and 27.3% of male journalists. Men are 2.4 times more likely to believe they do not need psychological help. Notably, 12.3% of respondents turn to AI tools like ChatGPT for mental health assistance.
"In our IMI survey conducted before winter, it became clear that the main resilience strategy of Ukrainian journalism is simply 'we'll manage somehow'—there has never been a situation where somehow wasn’t an option," said Oksana Romaniuk.
She emphasized the necessity of supporting media as part of Ukraine’s broader reconstruction efforts: "Media support must be integrated into the country’s recovery process."
These insights highlight an urgent need to enhance journalists' preparation for wartime dangers and address ongoing staffing and psychological challenges within news organizations.
Implementing comprehensive training and support systems for journalists operating in conflict zones is crucial. The high levels of stress and burnout demand immediate steps to improve mental health resources and professional development opportunities. Strengthening journalist safety and well-being will not only protect media workers but also ensure the delivery of reliable information, which is vital for Ukrainian society amid crisis.
The challenges faced by Ukrainian journalists extend beyond immediate safety concerns. As highlighted in a recent incident involving Julia Mendel, where she accused a journalist from The Telegraph of misrepresentation, the discourse around media integrity and accuracy is becoming increasingly vital. This situation emphasizes the need for robust training and support for journalists to navigate both the physical and ethical complexities of their work. For more insights into this unfolding narrative, see how it has sparked discussions among Western audiences regarding media representation.