Financial situation of 74% of journalists has severely worsened since February

In 6 months of full-scale war in Ukraine, the financial situation of journalists has significantly dropped. These are the results of anonymous targeted survey conducted by the Institute of Mass Information (IMI)*.

The negative change in their financial situation was reported by 74% of surveyed journalists. In 2020, only 20% of journalists claimed their financial situation had worsened. The downward trend continued in 2021 when 41.5% reported the drop in their income.

According to the IMI survey, in 6 months of russian full-scale invasion financial situation hasn’t changed only for 18% of surveyed journalists. 8% of those interviewed reported that their financial situation has improved in 2022.

“The increase in income may be due to the high demand for fixers and work for foreign media – at least, some of the journalists stated this directly,” assumes the IMI.

At the same time the survey shows that in 2023 86% of journalists expect to find themselves in an even more difficult situation.

This trend also proves journalists couldn’t save up money this year (reported by 82% of interviewed), another 58% mentioned they don’t have any financial cushion anymore. 67% of Ukrainian media employees surveyed by the IMI report the increase in their expenses.

Most often, the monthly income from journalistic activity ranges from UAH 5 to 10 thousand (31%). 17% of surveyed earn less than UAH 5,000. The lowest percentage is within the following ranges: UAH 20-30 thousand (7%), over UAH 30,000 (6%), and over UAH 50,000 (3%).

It shall be reminded that three quarters of local media need extra financial support under the conditions of full-scale war.

It was also reported earlier that the National Union of Journalists of Ukraine has established the Ukrainian Media Support Fund.

*The research was carried out through an anonymous online survey based on an interactive structured questionnaire. Links to the questionnaire were sent out to potential respondents – journalists and editors. A total of 230 responses were received, of which 13 respondents do not work in the media/journalism field, so the analysis included 217 responses from media workers. 29% of the respondents are from the central regions of Ukraine, 21% are from the south, 19% are from the west, 12% are from the north, 11% are from the east and 8% are from Kyiv city. 64% are women, 35% are men, 1% other genders. The survey was conducted in August 2022.

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