Since March 2022, Fondation Hirondelle, together with its local partner the Institute for Regional Press and Information (IRMI), has been implementing a multi-faceted project to support the Ukrainian media. The aim is to provide the communities on the frontline and internally displaced persons (East and South-East) with access to reliable information on subjects of public, humanitarian and social interest, as well as content focusing on justice in relation to war crimes.
The editorial, managerial and financial reinforcement of 18 local media is the epicentre of a mentoring programme rooted in the realities of our partners, which enables us to continuously assess and respond to the priority needs of journalists and media managers. With one essential aim: their survival, by adapting their information mission to the existential constraints of war.
Financial volume 2024
1 577 464 CHF
Sources of funding
- Swiss Solidarity (Chaîne du Bonheur)
- Switzerland (SDC Programme Contribution)
- Fondazione Aiuto alla Cooperazione e allo Sviluppo
- Michalski Foundation
- Sandoz Family Philanthropic Foundation
- Sauvain Petitpierre Foundation
Key figures for 2024
11 regions of Ukraine
93 media pieces on
national and
international justice
134 media professionals trained
23 media partners
95% training satisfaction rate
Context
Since 2022, in partnership with with its local partner the Institute for Regional Press and Information (IRMI), Fondation Hirondelle has been assisting Ukrainian media to enable them to continue informing the population despite the ongoing war. In the face of destruction, displacement of editorial teams and funding collapse, our support has been focused on maintaining media activities, adapting to new digital formats and strengthening their role in social cohesion.
Strengthening the link between audiences and the media in wartime
All of Fondation Hirondelle’s activities in Ukraine are geared towards providing a practical response to the needs of our partner media. In most cases, they have had to relocate their newsrooms, but they have been able to restore their work tools and resume their activities. The strength of the project lies in its flexibility, individual approach and responsiveness. This has led to the development of websites and Telegram channels for the print media, the introduction of training courses on managing the media in crisis situations, on processing open source data, and the training of new journalists who have just been hired by our partner media.
In 2024, Fondation Hirondelle strengthened its commitment to Ukraine, focusing its efforts on reconnecting media with their audiences. The “Reconnecting Audiences” study conducted in local communities shed light on the public’s expectations of regional media and the social divides intensified by the war. These results enabled our media partners to adapt their content, integrate more citizen testimonials, and provide news that is more reflective of local realities.
Another major focus of the project was to extend coverage of war crime trials. A network of specialised journalists received support from Justice Info (the media outlet specialised in covering transitional and international justice issues created and managed by Fondation Hirondelle) to document these trials rigorously and independently. A key improvement was the increased visibility of statements from the defence, leading to a more balanced coverage in line with legal journalism standards.
To find out more about our work for justice and reconciliation, visit our dedicated page.
Priorities
- Improved response to social cohesion challenges
- Tailored support for Ukrainian media
- Support for local media to reconnect with their audiences and address their information needs
Activities
- Editorial grants including intensive mentoring and equipment provision
- Training partner media in managing their physical and digital security
Lastly, our 23 media partners attained new levels of cooperation in 2024. In addition to sharing content, several editorial collaborations were created, leading to shared productions. This not only strengthened cohesion among editorial teams but also cemented their role as key players in maintaining social ties during wartime.
In 2025, Fondation Hirondelle, in partnership with IRMI, NUJU and Justice Info, is strengthening its commitment to Ukraine in order to guarantee access to reliable and useful information for the populations hardest hit by the war.
Stronger support for local media will enable the production and dissemination of content that addresses the critical needs of communities, particularly in relation to
humanitarian aid, reconstruction, and conflict-related justice. An editorial grant system will be established to support journalists in creating high-quality content tailored to local realities.
The project will also continue to strengthen the editorial and technical capacities of Ukrainian media. Targeted training sessions, combining mentoring and workshops on conflictsensitive journalism and solutions journalism, will help media professionals cover complex issues more effectively and meet the expectations of their audiences.
Finally, journalist safety will remain a top priority. A dedicated program will provide essential skills for working in war zones, enhancing both physical and digital protection.
At the same time, international advocacy will be carried out by our partner, the National Union of Journalists of Ukraine (NUJU), to defend journalists detained in occupied areas and to ensure their protection under international humanitarian law.
Our impact
In 2024, our media partners broadcast vital information on security and access to basic services, thereby improving the resilience of the population. Their coverage of war crime trials improved people’s understanding of legal issues and paid more attention to the defence.
The adoption of interactive formats such as short videos and solutions journalism increased audience trust and amplified the role of local media in public debate.
Testimonial
“Thanks to the quality of your support, we not only survived: we actually became stronger and have become one big media family.”
Svitlana Karpenko, Editor-in-Chief of the newspaper Trudova Slava (Orikhiv).