On 10 December 2024, more than 90 participants discussed via Zoom the development of cooperation between self-regulation and co-regulation bodies in Ukraine, as well as media self-regulation practices in Belgium’s French- and German-speaking regions. They also heard from members of working groups focused on joint responses in the audiovisual, audio, online, and print media sectors. The event brought together representatives from the National Council of Ukraine on Television and Radio Broadcasting, the European Federation of Journalists, and journalists from Ukraine and Europe.
The conference featured opening remarks by Ricardo Gutiérrez, Secretary General of the European Federation of Journalists, and Olena Nitsko, Executive Secretary of Ukraine’s National Council on Television and Radio Broadcasting.
“Ethics is now a top priority for all members of the European Federation of Journalists. We live in a hostile environment where journalists are discredited, and trust in journalism is fading. It’s our responsibility to show the public that we are committed to truth and serving society.
“It’s essential to have a system that guarantees the media’s full independence from political and economic pressures. We must take decisive action to protect the integrity of both the media and journalists,” said Ricardo Gutiérrez in his speech.
Olena Nitsko highlighted that the National Council has been actively supporting and encouraging media to improve self-regulatory mechanisms and develop industry standards for many years.
“Self-regulation in the media is the highest form of accountability to the audience because editorial teams are the ones who truly understand which practices need to be adopted here and now. The National Council operates on the principle that any changes to legislation or regulatory processes should be preceded by consultations with the public, industry organizations, or independent experts—all for the sake of truth and society,” she said.
The conference also included speakers such as Muriel Hanot (The Council for Ethical Journalism of the Belgian Press Council), Svitlana Ostapa (Public Broadcasting), Kateryna Miasnykova (National Media Association), Oleksandr Kharchenko (Gazeta.ua, Kraina), Oksana Romaniuk (Institute of Mass Information), Lina Kushch (National Union of Journalists of Ukraine), and Oksana Ostapko (StarLight Media LLC).
Wrapping up the event, Andriy Kulykov, the moderator and Chair of the Commission on Journalistic Ethics, said:
“It’s incredibly important that the Commission on Journalistic Ethics and other media organizations are part of this conference. It shows that the industry is not just alive but actively exploring and finding better ways to evolve and collaborate. It underscores that meaningful cooperation among us is possible.
“Nothing is impossible when people are united by a shared vision and the understanding that our collaboration strengthens the guarantees that protect freedom of speech in Ukraine. That is the true value of today’s discussion.”
The full recording of the conference is available on the Commission on Journalistic Ethics’ YouTube channel.
The event is organised by the Commission on Journalistic Ethics (CJE) with the support of the European Federation of Journalists (EFJ) as part of the project ‘Media in Emergencies.’ Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA). Neither the European Union nor EACEA can be held responsible for them.