Technical support for media in Ukraine: The Fix Media Foundation and ECPMF Launch the Second Phase of the “Voices of Ukraine” Programme

Editor’s note: The Fix Media Foundation is a non-profit organisation created to institutionalise the work done by The Fix Media and partners to keep Ukrainian media going amidst Russia’s invasion. Read the Ukrainian-language version of this announcement here.

The Fix Media Foundation, in cooperation with the European Center for Press and Media Freedom (ECPMF), announces the launch of the second phase of support for Ukrainian media and journalists under the Voices of Ukraine programme. The project aims to provide financial support for the purchase of technical equipment to Ukrainian media that continue to operate in Ukraine to ensure the continued work of journalists in life-threatening conditions. 

The project is limited to equipment purchase. This will enable the continuous and undisrupted work of Ukrainian journalists, given the life-threatening conditions.

Support is provided within the framework of “Voices of Ukraine”, a programme by ECPMF, which is implemented in collaboration with The Fix Media Foundation. The Programme is part of the Hannah-Arendt Initiative and is funded by the German Federal Foreign Office.

Eligibility criteria: 

● Media sector and legal compliance 

The organizers accept applications from all types of media outlets, including print, online, radio, and television. Both established media organizations and emerging startups are eligible to apply. Applicants must comply with all relevant laws and regulations governing media operations in Ukraine. 

● Ukrainian media outlet (regional focus is a priority)

The Voices of Ukraine programme is designed to support Ukrainian media operating directly from Ukraine. The programme prioritizes small regional publications that are experiencing the most on-the-ground difficulties. 

Support priorities:

● Providing stable electricity and communication: Due to the current problems with the energy supply in Ukraine, it is especially important to support media outlets that need uninterrupted operation. These media outlets are in critical need of power sources (generators, power banks, batteries, etc.) and communications equipment (routers, hotspots, satellite communications, Starlinks, etc.) that will allow them to continue working during power outages. This support is aimed at ensuring stability and continuity of operations in difficult conditions.

● Frontline media: Providing them with the equipment crucial to empower their work of covering the frontline stories.

● Hyperlocal media: Media that work directly with local communities and cover issues important to specific regions. For example, equipment for projects to launch or improve the existing mobile journalism (MOJO) department. Or aim to create new content formats, such as video reports, interactive materials, and other new types of media products.

Application process: 

Interested media outlets should submit an application in Ukrainian through the online application form: https://forms.gle/gtBNnBzWgtuUVsDK6 

Media outlets are welcome to apply at their earliest convenience but the final deadline for submission of the application is the 30th of July. 

Grant support will be provided to those media outlets that undertake to transfer the equipment received to their employees for use. 

The approximate amount of support is €1600 (~71,500 UAH) per journalist, which will correspond to the equivalent in hryvnia at the current exchange rate (although exceptions may be made in the case of distributing expensive but important equipment to several employees who will use it jointly). The amount of support is limited to €10,000 (~446,700 UAH) per outlet.

We will inform the participants about the selection process results and which stage of the program they have been assigned to within two weeks after the application deadline. If you have any questions, please contact us at VoU@thefix.foundation.

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