Who Is a Modern Journalist? More Than a Person with a Camera and a Recorder?
A modern journalist is much more than someone holding a camera or a recorder. They are an information warrior, a psychologist for their sources, and sometimes even a medic on the battlefield. While some hold the line of truth in the trenches, others gather strength and knowledge to be even more effective. The Academy of Ukrainian Press (AUP) knows how to turn the challenges of war into new opportunities for media professionals.
And here’s where Berlin and Kyiv come into play. Two capitals, two approaches, one goal — advancing Ukrainian journalism.
AUP Training in Kyiv
In September 2024, AUP hosted an intense three-day training session in Kyiv as part of the project “Your Mission, Your Voice: Ukrainian Journalists on the Frontline.” The topics were not just important but vital for survival and professional excellence:
- How to navigate the information war without becoming a tool of propaganda?
- What to do when reporting from a war zone becomes an unbearable psychological challenge?
- How to build trust and communication with the military to secure honest and safe information?
The program offered not only theoretical insights but also practical exercises, covering everything from information security to first aid. But this was just the beginning. The best participants earned the opportunity to join an even larger program in Berlin.
Workshop in Berlin
At the end of November 2024, five journalists will head to the Free University of Berlin for a workshop titled “Ukrainian Journalists on the Frontline: Enhancing Ethics and Accuracy in Reporting During War and Conflict.”
The program includes:
- An introduction to the German media system: How do Europe’s most influential media outlets operate?
- Collaborating with international organizations like Reporters Without Borders.
- Exploring the role of local fixers for international media.
- Meetings with journalists from Bild and a visit to the Bundestag.
This isn’t just training; it’s an exchange of experiences between two media systems. Berlin will serve as a bridge connecting European professionalism with Ukrainian courage. Journalists don’t just report the news — they create history. The participants of this project are the voice of Ukraine, and it’s crucial that this voice speaks with confidence, truth, and without fear.
Building a Stronger Future for Journalism
The Free University of Berlin and AUP are jointly shaping a future where journalism will be stronger than any propaganda. In an era where information is a weapon, losing is simply not an option.
Want to learn more? Follow the Academy of Ukrainian Press and stay tuned for new opportunities!
