Latest news with #InternationalJournalismFestival
Yahoo
03-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
If authoritarians are scared of journalists, we must be doing something right
'How do we continue convincing our few remaining allies that journalists' work is important?' Last month, I was sitting on stage at the International Journalism Festival in Perugia, Europe's biggest journalism conference, when I heard this question from an audience member. The answer came to me fast. 'Point at who is killing journalists,' I suggested. I then reminded the room about the case of Viktoriia Roshchyna, a Ukrainian journalist killed in Russian captivity. She took a huge risk to go into occupied territories to report about Russian torture chambers there — only to end up in one. In October 2024, her family was told she died in captivity, a month earlier. Since then, two separate journalistic investigations found that Viktoriia was subjected to torture and abuse. Everything points to the fact that she was killed — whether they murdered her last Septmber, or slowly killed her through months of abuse, torture, and starvation. She was only 27 years old. 'If Russia, a huge authoritarian country, was so afraid of this small woman that they killed her in prison — all because she was a journalist,' I said, 'then journalists must be doing something very important — something that the worst people of this world are really afraid of.' While I was speaking on that stage, I didn't yet know that Viktoriia's body was already in Ukraine. Russia returned it in February, but it was in a condition that made it difficult to identify. The body was missing a number of organs, including the brain, eyes, and trachea, and was initially marked as male. An impressive collaborative investigation by several newsrooms found the details of her imprisonment, and mentioned that the missing organs point to an attempt to hide the fact that she died from asphyxia. A few people on the Kyiv Independent's team knew Viktoriia. Some worked with her in other publications, others knew her through friends — Kyiv's media crowd is relatively tight. I didn't know her personally but by now, it almost feels like I did — because of how many personal tributes to her I have read. Viktoriia put herself in mortal danger by going into Russian-occupied territory because she believed that finding out the truth was worth the risk. One of her former colleagues said it was almost like she couldn't believe that something bad could happen to her because of how enormously important the mission to find out the truth was. It's a dark irony that Russia is, in a way, on the same page. Authoritarian regimes recognize the weight of truth, the power of real story — and that's why, everywhere in the world, they make truth their target number one. For Russia, it meant killing Viktoriia to discourage others from finding out the truth about its treatment of Ukrainian civilians in the occupied territories. That truth — the persecution, forced Russification, torture and killings — doesn't fit well into Russia's narrative that claims they are liberating these territories. These revelations could be especially damaging to Russia now that ceasefire negotiations are underway, and where it unfortunately appears the U.S. is ready to recognize Russian control over occupied Ukrainian territories — completely disregarding the fate of the millions of Ukrainians living there. Russia tried to silence Viktoriia Roshchyna — instead, it proved her right. Oppression of press freedom is by far not limited to Russia — the latest Press Freedom Index, released every year by Reporters Without Borders for World Press Freedom Day on May 3, shows an alarming picture. The overall level of press freedom globally is the lowest since the start of the index in 2002. One major factor is the deteriorating economic climate in the media sector. In Ukraine, it was especially felt earlier this year, when the new U.S. administration abruptly ended USAID projects around the world. In Ukraine, U.S. grants funded many media outlets, including small front-line newspapers and prominent teams behind anti-corruption investigations. Grants like those cut came without interference in the content produced by the media — allowing them to maintain independence while paying their bills. I wrote about it here. Since then, the Kyiv Independent held a fundraiser to help local outlets in areas near the front lines. Our community rose to the occasion in the most inspiring way — and we were able to quickly give some bridge funding to three newsrooms. The Kyiv Independent itself is one of very few independent media outlets that wasn't affected by the U.S. grant cuts because we are lucky enough to be backed by our readers. As of today, 17,500 people from around the world are members of the Kyiv Independent — they stand with us in our mission to bring the truth about Ukraine and Russia's crimes to the world, and we are immensely grateful to them. As I'm writing this on World Press Freedom Day, looking at the dispiriting assessments of the state of free press globally, I keep coming back to them. That gives me a ray of hope in the otherwise gloomy landscape — our community reminds me that press freedom has enough champions for the truth to not be subdued. And while some of the worst and most powerful people in the world are keen to end free press, some of the best are standing up to defend it. If you're reading this, consider supporting free press today. Pick a newsroom you believe in. Buy a subscription, a membership, or donate. If you can, donate to a Ukrainian newsroom. There are many who can't afford to pay for the news — and every donation means that people in any circumstances can have access to truthful information. If you can't afford a subscription or donation, those aren't the only things you can do to show your support. Write a short email with words of encouragement to a newsroom you follow. It always means a lot to receive them. My inbox is a curious mix of 'Die, Ukrainian propagandists. Russia will win!' and 'You're doing a great job, thank you so much!' — but there are many, many more of the latter kind. And if you already are one of the many champions of free press worldwide — on behalf of our team, thank you. We are doing something right — together. Read also: Russia's torture of Viktoriia Roshchyna shocks world, but dozens of Ukrainian journalists still in captivity We've been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
Observer
19-04-2025
- Observer
Oman at International Journalism Festival in Italy
Perugia, Italy: The Sultanate of Oman marked its presence at this globally renowned media gathering, with Oman Observer attending the event that unfolded over five days in the Italian city of Perugia from April 9 to 13. Held in the medieval heart of Umbria, the festival is widely considered one of the most significant gatherings of journalists, media professionals, and digital innovators from around the world. This year's edition featured an expansive programme of workshops and discussions, many of which were delivered by distinguished journalists, editors, AI engineers and media strategists who explored the latest developments shaping the future of journalism. Throughout the festival, the sessions — delivered in both English and Italian — focused on a wide array of topics ranging from digital media innovation and ethical challenges in reporting, to the impact of artificial intelligence on newsrooms and the future of investigative journalism. One of the most notable aspects of the festival is its open-access philosophy: all sessions and workshops were offered free of charge, creating a unique space for knowledge-sharing without barriers. Among the many sessions attended during the festival, one particularly compelling workshop was titled 'Investigating and Reporting on AI 'Nudifying' Sites and Non-Consensual Intimate Imagery.' The session addressed the alarming rise of technology-facilitated abuse and the journalistic responsibility to uncover and report on these developments. Oman at International Journalism Festival in Italy Experts from 404 Media and Bellingcat, along with a journalist from The Guardian, shared insights into how AI is being used to manipulate images without consent and how the media can respond through ethical reporting and raising public awareness. Equally impactful was the session 'Behind the Scenes: How AI is Reshaping Local News,' where media leaders and technologists from organisations such as Microsoft, Nota and the Philadelphia Inquirer delved into the transformation of local journalism through automation and machine learning. The discussion provided a glimpse into how AI tools are being integrated into news production and distribution, reshaping newsroom roles and workflows in the process. Environmental journalism was another strong focus this year. One standout session, 'Climate Change and the Amazon: The Run-up to COP 30 Belém — and Beyond — While Amplifying Local Voices,' explored the intersection of climate coverage and community storytelling. Daniel Nardin of Amazonia Vox emphasised the importance of including indigenous and local perspectives in reporting on deforestation and global climate negotiations. Oman Observer also joined a powerful conversation on rebuilding journalistic credibility in an age of misinformation during 'Rebuilding Trust in the News Ecosystem.' This session brought together leaders from the Associated Press, The Marshall Project and regional newsrooms in the US to examine how transparency, accountability and community engagement can repair fractured trust between the public and the press. Security and press freedom were also central themes. At 'Journalists Under Fire,' attendees heard firsthand accounts from reporters and editors working in high-risk regions, highlighting the daily dangers faced by journalists and the increasing importance of institutional support and international solidarity. Panelists from Latin America, Africa and the US underscored the urgency of protecting journalism in authoritarian environments. In another illuminating session, 'Going Independent: How Journalists Are Building Audiences and Growing Businesses Across the World,' founders of media startups shared their strategies for building sustainable, audience-first news operations. This included leveraging newsletters, community engagement and digital monetisation tools to thrive independently without relying on legacy institutions. One of the festival's most inspiring sessions was 'How to Find and Execute the Scoops That Can Rock the World.' Moderated by senior investigative editors from ProPublica, ICIJ, the BBC and other international watchdogs, this session unpacked the anatomy of major global exposés — from sourcing and verification to collaboration across borders. It provided practical takeaways on how newsrooms can continue to pursue high-impact journalism in an era of shrinking resources and legal threats. Another climate-focused session, 'Leading by Example: Transforming Newsroom Leadership for Climate Crisis Reporting,' emphasised the need for newsroom culture shifts in how environmental news is approached and prioritised. Featuring speakers from Fathm, AFP and Bellwethers Group, the panel advocated for structural changes in editorial planning and leadership support to better serve the public on urgent climate issues. Attending the festival offered a valuable opportunity to observe how journalism is adapting across borders and to engage with emerging perspectives in both traditional reporting and digital storytelling. The experience underscored the importance of continuous learning in journalism, especially in a time where information ecosystems are being reshaped by new technologies and shifting audience behaviours. Situated approximately 170 kilometres from Rome, Perugia's old town provided a striking backdrop for the event. Its cobbled streets, historic cathedrals and vibrant piazzas created an environment conducive to reflection and dialogue. The festival's venues — scattered across the city's historic buildings — added a layer of cultural richness to the experience, merging the past and future of journalism in one setting. By attending the International Journalism Festival, Oman Observer was able to gain critical insights into newsroom transformation, the role of digital tools in investigative reporting and the evolving standards of global media ethics. The participation also offered a chance to interact with fellow journalists from different parts of the world, fostering a spirit of exchange and dialogue that is essential in today's interconnected media environment. The experience has contributed meaningfully to the professional development of the participating staff member, offering exposure to international best practices that can be applied in both newsroom management and editorial output. It also aligns with broader national efforts to enhance skills, embrace digital evolution and engage with global platforms in ways that enrich local media practice.
