Amplify independent media voices from Ukraine in France.
Following discussions over recent weeks and background research, the media relationships concept for OSIFE's Ukraine in Western Europe project has evolved further. In brief, the project strategy is to introduce more diversity into media narratives in Western Europe regarding Ukraine, particularly among left leaning media outlets (formal and informal). This will be done by establishing media partnerships between Ukrainian and European outlets allowing content syndication and other collaborative opportunities. We have established contact with Hromadske International, an emerging media outlet in Ukraine combining broadcast and online content. The style, tone and substance of their content have the potential to resonate well with our target audiences. Hromadske is interested in developing international partnerships (they already have some underway in CEE) and early discussions indicate that the aim of this project to introduce diversity of voices and points of view into existing narratives rather than develop "counter-propaganda" - is something they understand and support. For credibility and journalistic independence, it is better that OSF not remain interlocutor between Ukrainian and European outletscapacity is also an issue. Given this, we propose starting small scale to begin with. This involves focusing on Hromadske as the potential Ukrainian incubator for the project. Our support might take two forms: one, supporting an international partnerships role within Hromadske whose responsibility would be to seek out and cultivate international partnerships with relevant outlets in Europe, prioritizing our target audience to begin with; two, supporting the production of content that would facilitate these partnerships, for example engaging, digital content with strong production values, allowing full editorial control for Hromadske at the same time. Mediapart in France is one potential media partner that we could approach with this proposal. The good potential synergy between Hromadske and Mediapart (similar editorial approach and organizational background) offers an opportunity to launch this project by OSF enabling an introduction between Hromadske and Mediapart. This would allow Hromadske and inroad into France, an opportunity to begin a partnership early on and a Western European partner to help inform their content strategy. We hope that Hromadske would also expand their media partnership network in France beyond Mediapart as part of this first phase. We would hope soon after, depending on performance during this proof of concept phase, to expand the project remit to the other four key countries in addition to France. Next steps would include: Find out more about Hromadske, their make up, current capacity etc. Approach Mediapart to assess their interest in the proposal. Formalise details for Phase I of project, based on partnership between Hromadske and Mediapart. Facilitate meeting between Hromadske and Mediapart to further develop concept a certain degree of flexibility will be needed in the concept to allow both entities to engage fully and to respect journalistic independence