It is crucial not only to conduct sociological research but also to assist journalists in understanding how to address the evolving needs and demands of their communities. What tools are available to gather comprehensive information and combat misinformation? These topics were discussed during a content workshop in Kyiv.
Sociologists claim there is a strong need for two-way engagement between citizens and government. People want to understand how state and local budget funds are allocated and spent. Therefore, experts discussed how we can use budget reporting tools and what tools and sources can be used to find information about budget expenditures. During brainstorming sessions, ideas for stories that could be produced immediately were developed, as well as identifying which tools were lacking. Additionally, there was a training session on OSINT, mapping stories using online resources, and a session on digital security.
Sabra Ayres, project mentor and trainer:
- The sociological research conducted as part of our project showed that in each region, people want to understand how local authorities use state funding for various needs, from road repairs to building renovations. The training aimed to provide journalists with tools to prepare professional materials about local budgets and funding. We also offered a course on using internet resources for mapping stories and basic OSINT and Google Earth skills. By the end of the session, one of our participants had uploaded a map tracking the movement of North Korean troops in Russia to their website! The final session was dedicated to digital security, which is an upskilling opportunity for everyone, as Russia, China, and Iran intensify their cyberattacks worldwide.
Svitlana Ovcharenko, editor of the “Vpered” newspaper (Bakhmut):
- The research findings were somewhat unexpected. I thought I knew well what my readers needed, but it turned out that this was not entirely the case. I understand the next steps and what tools I am going to needed.
Tetiana Luchynska, editor of the “Mayak” newspaper (Bohodukhiv):
- I have concluded that we will use both the research findings and the information search tools to find information on budget expenditures.
Natalia Kobzar, editor, Status Quo News Agency (Kharkiv):
- Special thanks for the research. In these three years of full-scale invasion, I have not encountered thorough studies, for example, of Kharkiv. I read national ones, and they are quite monotypical. Learning something local was very interesting and useful for us as media. Thanks also for the atmosphere at the training, the feeling that you are not alone in facing your problems.
Oleksandr Kulbaka, editor of the “Visti” newspaper (Sloviansk):
- We learned great investigative reporting tools. Already now I am determined to write something, and I have outlined several topics for myself. It is also very important that we can publish some parts of the sociological research in our media – this is interesting not only to us but also to our readers.
The training was held as part of the “Improving Media Resilience in Ukraine” project, which IRMI has been implementing in partnership with Fondation Hirondelle with financial support from Swiss Solidarity.
