Supporting Ukraine’s Self-reliant Media: The ‘stronger Together’ Program and its Impact
As the conflict in Ukraine continues, the role of a free and independent press has never been more critical. Amidst wartime challenges,Ukrainian media outlets are demonstrating remarkable resilience,fueled by international support. The ‘Stronger together’ programme, a collaborative effort between the World Association of News Publishers (WAN-IFRA), Norway’s Mediebedriftenes Landsforening (MBL), and the Association of Independent Regional Publishers of Ukraine (AIRPPU), is playing a pivotal role in bolstering these vital institutions. This initiative, backed by a substantial NOK70,000,000 (approximately $6.7 million USD as of January 14, 2026) investment from Norad’s Nansen Support Programme for Ukraine [1], is providing crucial funding, training, and mentorship to 40 Ukrainian media outlets. This article examines the programme’s achievements in its first year, its focus on empowering women leaders in journalism, and its plans for sustained international collaboration.
A Year of Progress and Resilience
Throughout 2025, the ‘Stronger Together’ programme focused on building the capacity of independent media across Ukraine. This wasn’t simply about providing financial assistance; it was a holistic approach encompassing skill growth, strategic guidance, and fostering a collaborative habitat. The results are already evident: participating media outlets are producing impactful investigative journalism, strengthening their internal structures, and adapting to the unique challenges of reporting from a country at war.
A key component of the programme is the Women in News (WIN) Ukraine Leadership Accelerator. Recognizing the importance of gender equality in newsrooms, this initiative has supported 14 women journalists, equipping them with the leadership skills necessary to navigate the complexities of the media landscape. The accelerator focuses on strategic thinking, editorial management, and overall leadership capabilities, ensuring that women have a stronger voice in shaping the narrative.
Beyond leadership training, the programme has facilitated the production of over 50 investigative stories in just five months, a testament to the growing expertise and determination of Ukrainian journalists. These investigations are crucial for holding power accountable and informing the public during a time of crisis.
Key Events: Fostering Collaboration and Innovation
The programme’s impact extends beyond direct support to media outlets. Two key events in late 2025 – the Ukraine Media Congress in Lviv and the WAN-IFRA Newsroom Summit in Copenhagen – served as platforms for knowledge sharing, networking, and strategic planning.
The Ukraine Media Congress in Lviv
The XIV Ukraine Media Congress, held in Lviv, brought together over 130 representatives from regional Ukrainian media. The central theme was innovation – how these outlets can not only survive but thrive in a rapidly changing environment.Discussions centered on crucial topics such as new revenue models, digital content creation, building audience trust, and the ethical considerations of utilizing artificial intelligence (AI) in journalism. The Congress highlighted the vital role regional media play in documenting events,providing accurate information to local communities,and safeguarding democratic values during wartime. Participants emphasized the need for cross-regional cooperation and the importance of maintaining editorial independence.
WAN-IFRA Newsroom Summit in Copenhagen & Visit to JP/Politiken media Group
A delegation of 16 senior women journalists participating in the WIN Ukraine Leadership Accelerator attended the WAN-IFRA Newsroom Summit in Copenhagen in November 2025. This event provided a valuable prospect to learn from leading newsroom innovators and strategists from around the globe. A significant focus was on the integration of AI and machine learning into editorial workflows, with case studies demonstrating how organizations of all sizes are leveraging these technologies. Discussions also covered strategies for engaging younger audiences, building strong media brands, and developing sustainable revenue streams.
The delegation also visited the JP/Politiken Media Group [2], a leading Danish media institution, to learn about its successful digital transformation. The visit offered insights into how a customary print-based company successfully transitioned to a digital-first model, with a focus on data-driven journalism and audience engagement. the Ukrainian journalists gained practical knowledge about tools for tracking reader behavior and optimizing content for online platforms.
Looking Ahead: Building Long-Term Resilience Through International Partnerships
As ‘Stronger Together’ moves into its second year (2026), the focus is shifting towards establishing long-term, sustainable partnerships between Ukrainian and Norwegian media outlets. Building on the foundation laid in the first year, the programme will launch four media exchange programs, pairing Ukrainian and Norwegian organizations for collaborative projects. these exchanges, spanning 2026-2027, will focus on peer mentoring, editorial innovation, business development, and organizational learning. The structure includes reciprocal visits – with Ukrainian partners hosted in Norway in March, Norwegian delegations visiting Lviv in October, and joint planning meetings in Oslo in December – supplemented by ongoing virtual mentorship and ad hoc exchanges. This collaborative approach aims to foster knowledge transfer, strengthen independent journalism, and build lasting resilience within the Ukrainian media landscape.
The Broader Context: International Support for Ukraine’s Media Freedom
The ‘Stronger Together’ programme is part of a larger international effort to support media freedom and independence in Ukraine. In July 2023, the United States, for the first time, backed security guarantees for Ukraine from a broad coalition of allies [3], signaling a commitment to the country’s long-term stability. A free and independent press is essential for a functioning democracy, and international support for Ukrainian media is a vital component of this broader effort.
Key Takeaways
- The ‘Stronger Together’ programme is providing critical support to independent media in Ukraine through funding, training, and mentorship.
- The WIN ukraine Leadership Accelerator is empowering women journalists to take on leadership roles in their newsrooms.
- International collaboration and knowledge sharing are essential for building long-term resilience in the Ukrainian media sector.
- The programme’s success demonstrates the importance of investing in independent journalism, especially in times of conflict.