Ethical and Responsible Journalism During Wartime: Recommendations for Key Stakeholders

Social institutions face new challenges during full-scale war without sufficient experience to resolve them. However, the Aspen Institute Kyiv believes that dialogue is the key to a deeper understanding of the situation, harmonizing positions, and finding practical solutions. That is why the Institute consistently initiates meetings of key stakeholders from various fields, creating a space for constructive discussion and adaptation to new realities.

Throughout 2023–2024, with the support of the OSCE Support Program for Ukraine, the Institute held a series of three seminars entitled “Media and Reality: Dimensions of Responsibility.” Participants analyzed the works of classical and modern thinkers, exchanged experiences, and, among other things, shared ideas on how modern media can adapt to the realities of wartime.

Not only journalists and editors joined the discussions, but also media experts, educators, media lawyers, and communication professionals.  Their rich professional experience allows the issues to be viewed from different perspectives. Most importantly, it helps complement each other’s thoughts with unique viewpoints, creating a deeper and more comprehensive analysis.

The seminars developed the “Recommendations for Ethical and Responsible Journalism.” These recommendations can guide journalists in making complex decisions and finding consensus with government and military representatives.

Overall, the recommendations aim to preserve and develop freedom of speech even under full-scale war conditions, which requires coordinated actions by all involved stakeholders.

You can read the recommendations and the full report here.