The World Association of News Publishers (WAN-IFRA), in partnership with the Association of Independent Regional Press Publishers of Ukraine (AIRPPU) and Mediebedriftenes Landsforening (MBL), announces the launch of the ‘Stronger Together: Media and Democracy Programme’, made possible through Norad’s Nansen Support Programme for Ukraine.
The 3-year, NOK70,000,000 (6 Million Euros) media support programme will work with up to 75 regional and local media throughout Ukraine, a group that collectively reaches 24.5 million people and covers nearly 80% of Ukraine’s total population.
“Independent journalism in Ukraine has never been more vital – nor more at risk. Through the Stronger Together: Media and Democracy Programme, we are not just supporting media outlets, we are safeguarding the very foundation of democracy. Local and regional publishers continue to deliver trusted, independent reporting despite relentless financial and security challenges. This initiative provides them with essential resources to sustain their mission. We are deeply grateful to Norwegian people and Norad for support, and to our partners WAN-IFRA and MBL for their unwavering solidarity and commitment to press freedom in Ukraine”, said Oksana Brovko, CEO of AIRPPU.
Stronger Together: Media and Democracy Programme will focus on three core objectives:
- building financial and organizational sustainability via capacity building on sustainable business models alongside institutional support grants
- strengthening transparency and anti-corruption, through investigative journalism grants and editorial mentorship and
- promoting gender equality and inclusion, through leadership training and career coaching via the sector-leading Women in News programme.
The programme leverages the Consortium’s strong networks of Norwegian, International and Ukrainian members, who will serve as mentors, coaches, and trainers. By prioritizing peer-to-peer support and strengthening professional networks, the initiative reinforces the sector’s resilience while exemplifying solidarity in action.
“At a time where truth is at risk, independent editorial media and journalism are more important than ever. We look forward to working together with our Ukrainian colleagues in “Stronger Together” and with our global media association WAN-IFRA. Through this important grant from Norad and the Nansen programme we will be able to fund three years of close cooperation between Norwegian media and local-regional media in Ukraine”, said Randi Øgrey, CEO of Mediebedriftenes Landsforening (MBL).
Since the full-scale Russian invasion of Ukraine in 2022, independent local and regional media have played a crucial role in delivering unbiased information, serving as a watchdog on governance, and supporting community resilience. Challenges such as disrupted revenue streams, operational risks, and safety threats continue to destabilize the sector. The abrupt halt of all USAID funding for independent media has only intensified the crisis, pushing an already fragile media ecosystem closer to collapse under mounting financial strain.
“We are deeply honoured to partner with WAN-IFRA members AIRPPU and MBL to strengthen Ukraine’s independent media sector. This partnership marks a significant milestone as we work together to support journalists on the front lines. As an organization founded by journalists active in the resistance during World War II, we share the unwavering commitment of our peers in Ukraine, who risk their safety every day to deliver trusted, credible news in the face of disinformation and oppression”, said Melanie Walker, media development executive director, WAN-IFRA.
