The Association of Independent Regional Press Publishers of Ukraine (AIRPPU) continues its Emergency Support Program for Ukraine’s regional media, expanding international cooperation with Spanish colleagues in response to the challenges of war, systematic attacks on energy infrastructure, and growing security risks faced by journalists.
This article highlights our cooperation and the support provided by Spanish partners — Henneo media group and Fundación Ibercaja, as well as the technology company Hiberus, which is supplying computer equipment to Ukrainian regional newsrooms. The assistance combines financial support with essential technical equipment, enabling editorial teams to continue operating during blackouts and periods of unstable connectivity.
Cooperation and Long-Term Partnership
The partnership with Spanish colleagues builds on a foundation of professional friendship and follows a working visit by Oksana Brovko to Spain. During this visit, she received a special 20minutos Award from King Felipe VI in recognition of her contribution to the development of independent media in Ukraine.
As part of this visit, a series of meetings took place with Spanish media managers and partners, including the team of 20minutos — one of Spain’s most popular media outlets and a member of the Henneo media group. This professional dialogue, exchange of experience, and shared commitment to democratic values laid the foundation for practical support for Ukrainian regional newsrooms.
This cooperation began after a visit to Ukraine by Fernando de Yarza López-Madrazo, President of the Henneo media group and then President of WAN-IFRA. During his visit, he witnessed firsthand how many journalists risk their lives to provide society with high-quality, reliable information in the midst of war.
«Today, more than ever, it is vital to strengthen, develop, and support practices of mutual assistance and solidarity. In the face of violence, armed conflicts, polarization, disinformation, and economic challenges, such alliances are a manifestation of collective responsibility. Press freedom is a shared public good, and its protection requires shared commitment. Cooperation is an act of responsibility toward society and a legacy for future generations», emphasizes Fernando de Yarza López-Madrazo.
A Systemic Response to Energy Instability
At present, the Association of Independent Regional Press Publishers of Ukraine (AIRPPU) supports more than 150 local and regional media outlets whose journalists work daily under shelling, prolonged power outages, and unstable connectivity. Attacks on energy infrastructure directly affect the ability of newsrooms to operate and to remain connected with their communities.
The Association continuously monitors the situation in the regions and responds to the most urgent needs of editorial teams — from generators, charging stations, and computer equipment to the replacement of equipment damaged as a result of shelling. This systematic approach led to the creation of the Emergency Support Program for Regional Media, the first phase of which was implemented with the support of international partners, including Amedia Foundation.
Read also: New Emergency Support Program for Regional Media
Oksana Brovko notes that this cooperation is especially valuable because it is based on mutual understanding, respect for market realities, and shared democratic principles.
«Freedom of speech does not exist in a vacuum — it depends on sustainable media institutions and long-term commitment», she says.
She also expressed sincere gratitude to Spanish partners Henneo and Fundación Ibercaja for joining the Emergency Support Program and standing alongside Ukrainian journalists with practical assistance.
«Each such step helps sustain independent media and strengthen democratic resilience — both in Ukraine and across Europe», Brovko emphasizes.
Focus on Energy Resilience
Due to ongoing blackouts, generator failures, and damage to technical equipment, many local newsrooms are forced to operate at the very limits of their capacity. During the first stage of the Emergency Support Program, AIRPPU received 60 applications, a significant number of which focused specifically on ensuring the energy stability of editorial operations.
«We clearly understand that today the most acute challenge for regional media is the ability to stay connected during prolonged power outages. That is why our priority is support that works here and now», explains Oksana Brovko.
As a reminder, during the first wave of support, 16 regional and local newsrooms have already received mini-grants to purchase charging stations and power banks — equipment that enables media outlets to continue operating even during extended electricity outages. We will share the results shortly.
«It is critically important for us that this support is not a one-off initiative, but part of a systemic approach. We continuously monitor the situation in the regions and, together with our partners, look for solutions that genuinely help media outlets stay connected with their communities», emphasizes Oksana Brovko.
AIRPPU will continue to seek opportunities for cooperation with international partners so that independent regional media in Ukraine can operate professionally and without interruption — despite the challenges of war and the ongoing energy crisis.
We will share updates on the results of the second wave of support very soon. Follow our pages so you don’t miss important updates.
