Ukraine Media Project Semi-Annual Report October 1, 2017 – March 31, 2018

The project was awarded by USAID to Internews in August 2011 and launched on October 1, 2011. U-Media follows the eight-year USAID media support program, Strengthening Independent Media in Ukraine, also known as U-Media and implemented by Internews. In September 2016, Internews received a two-year cost extension for the Ukraine Media Project covering October 2016 through September 2018. The project's objectives include supporting and promoting freedom of speech and media independence, increasing the variety of news sources and improving news quality, improving the media enabling environment and freedom of speech, and improving the organizational capacity of media civil society organizations and outlets. Internews highlights several accomplishments for the reporting period, including the organization of a conference called "National Media Talk: The Role of Independent Media in Ukraine." The conference, held on November 2-3, 2017, brought together 168 media players throughout Ukraine to explore solutions to the challenges facing the media. The event featured seven discussions moderated by leaders of media organizations, including topics such as the quality of media in Ukraine, public service broadcasting reform, regional media content, and journalists' work during a period of hybrid war. Another accomplishment of the project was the production and broadcast of an innovative late-night television show called "ChereShchur" on the UA:Pershy television channel. The show discussed Ukraine's economic, political, social, and cultural reforms in a satirical and entertaining way, featuring high-profile guests and promoting Ukrainian culture. The project also contributed to improving the media literacy and critical thinking skills of Ukrainians through the use of an ironic style in the show, teaching people to critically assess information they receive from different sources. The show's innovative approach and high-profile guests helped to attract a large audience and promote the project's objectives. The Ukraine Media Project has made significant progress in supporting and promoting freedom of speech and media independence in Ukraine. The project's accomplishments, including the organization of the National Media Talk conference and the production and broadcast of the "ChereShchur" television show, demonstrate its commitment to improving the media environment in Ukraine. The project's objectives are aligned with the goals of the USAID Cooperative Agreement, which aims to support the development of a free and independent media in Ukraine. The project's accomplishments have contributed to the improvement of the media environment in Ukraine, promoting freedom of speech and media independence, and increasing the variety of news sources and improving news quality. The project's success is also reflected in the engagement of high-profile guests and the promotion of Ukrainian culture through the "ChereShchur" television show. The show's innovative approach and high-profile guests have helped to attract a large audience and promote the project's objectives, contributing to the improvement of the media environment in Ukraine. The Ukraine Media Project has made significant progress in improving the media environment in Ukraine, promoting freedom of speech and media independence, and increasing the variety of news sources and improving news quality. The project's accomplishments demonstrate its commitment to supporting the development of a free and independent media in Ukraine.