A new week — and a new experience that matters for strengthening independent regional media in Ukraine. This week, a delegation of Ukrainian media managers and journalists is in Norway to exchange experience with Norwegian colleagues.
The visit is taking place within the Norwegian Partnerships Programme — a new initiative of the Stronger Together project.
Hands-on newsroom training
The first day of the visit in Oslo began with the presentation Stronger Together: Year One. How independent Ukrainian media operate during wartime. Partners emphasized the importance of collaboration and highlighted the value-driven results of this cooperation.
— I know you have had a very difficult winter. And I have to say that when I stood here a year ago and spoke about how challenging the situation in Ukraine was, today, 12 months later, it seems to have become even worse. I could not have imagined this. That is why it is even more important to work together, to collaborate, and to be stronger together in every sense — exactly as it happens within the Stronger Together programme, — emphasized Randi S. Øgrey, CEO of MBL, opening the meeting.
Norway has been a reliable partner for Ukraine throughout the years of the full-scale war. An important part of this support is the development of independent regional media and the protection of freedom of speech.
Media in Ukraine perform a much broader role than simply informing the public, noted Jorunn Nossum, Director of the Nansen Support Programme for Ukraine at Norad.
«The role of media is not only to inform society. It is also to help understand what is actually happening, where the greatest needs are, who is doing what, whether certain topics or regions are being overlooked, and what new challenges are emerging. Therefore, supporting media is not only about helping you in your daily work in Ukraine. In a way, it is also a means through which you help inform us, as partners, about what is really happening», she said.
The Norwegian Partnerships Programme creates even greater opportunities for cooperation between Norwegian and Ukrainian media. It is about open dialogue and a shared search for solutions to strengthen independent regional newsrooms. And this is made possible through strong partnerships.
Resilience, freedom of speech, and development
— Partnerships are extremely important. In Oslo, we officially launched the Norwegian Partnerships Programme — another initiative within Stronger Together for four Ukrainian and Norwegian local media outlets. In times of crisis, isolation is one of the greatest risks for independent journalism. Partnerships help overcome this isolation. They create networks of trust, knowledge exchange, and long-term cooperation. I would like to thank our Norwegian partners who are ready to walk this path together with us, — said Oksana Brovko.
At the same time, partners emphasize that strengthening cooperation between Ukraine and Norway is about shared achievements and mutual value.
— This cooperation is not only about supporting Ukraine. It is also about learning from Ukraine. The courage and determination we see in Ukrainian newsrooms remind all of us why journalism matters. You remind us that journalism is not just a profession — it is a responsibility. Thank you for your dedication. Thank you for your courage. Thank you for continuing to tell the truth even in the most difficult circumstances. Your work serves not only the people of Ukraine — it serves all of us, — said Stig Ørskov, CEO of WAN-IFRA, addressing Ukrainian media professionals.
Memorandums signed
A formal signing of memorandums of cooperation also took place in Oslo.
As a reminder, within the programme, partnership pairs of newsrooms have been formed, which will work together over the course of a year.
The Norwegian media outlet Agderposten, based in Arendal, will collaborate with the Chernihiv-based newsroom «Visnyk Ch».
The specialized political and public affairs outlet Altinget, based in Oslo, will engage in professional collaboration with «Kremenchutskyi Telegraf».
The regional Norwegian media outlet Bergensavisen, part of the major media group Amedia, has launched close cooperation with the Ternopil newsroom of the «RIA plus» newspaper and the «20 Hvylyn» website.
Fædrelandsvennen is a regional Norwegian media outlet based in Kristiansand, paired with «Dostup Media» from Kropyvnytskyi.
— I believe this can truly lead to meaningful results, as well as create a sense of support, solidarity, and genuine exchange. The programme includes many different components that, I hope, will enrich both sides — the host newsrooms and the media coming for internships. I am very interested to see what outcomes will emerge from this collaboration. And I think when we gather again in a year, it will be very exciting to see what has grown out of it — both professionally and in terms of personal connections and solidarity, — concluded Melanie Walker.
Media managers and journalists from these outlets have already travelled to Norwegian regions for an exchange of experience. This week, they will be working directly inside Norwegian newsrooms, exploring real-time editorial processes, approaches to monetization, subscription models, digital tools, and management practices. At the same time, the programme itself предусматривает a year-long collaboration between the newsrooms, during which partners will exchange experience, hold joint meetings, and work on developing their media.
Follow our updates — there is much more to come, including insights and practical experience from inside Norwegian newsrooms. Here, we share experiences that are directly relevant to Ukrainian regional media.
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The Norwegian Partnerships Programme is implemented by the Association of Independent Regional Press Publishers of Ukraine (AIRPPU) in partnership with WAN-IFRA and the Norwegian Media Businesses’ Association (MBL), with the support of Norway.
