Media work during wartime, European integration processes, countering disinformation, and artificial intelligence were among the topics discussed by National Council member Oleksandr Burmahin on Hromadske Radio.
European Integration Track
According to National Council member Oleksandr Burmahin, the Law “On the Media” has launched a systemic and profound reform in the sector. As noted by experts from the European Commission, Ukrainian legislation is now largely integrated and contains many of the approaches used in the European Union.
The Ukrainian Government has approved roadmaps with clearly defined timelines and deadlines, outlining specific steps and indicators, including in the media sphere, to ensure full alignment with European standards.
As Oleksandr Burmahin clarified, in early August this year, a regulatory document of the European Union – the European Media Freedom Act (EMFA) – came into force. As a candidate for EU membership, Ukraine is expected to gradually implement its provisions into national legislation.
The EMFA establishes requirements regarding:
transparency of media ownership
independence of public service broadcasting
standards for the protection of freedom of expression
the electoral process
political advertising
strengthening the independence of national media regulators
Oleksandr Burmahin expressed hope that draft law No. 12111 – an upgrade to the Law “On the Media” – will be adopted in the near future.
The main task of media in Ukraine is to survive
The National Council, as a convergent regulator, works with all types of media – from television to online platforms – and strives to support their activities as much as possible. This includes both administrative assistance and negotiations with international partners regarding funding and resource provision.
Today, Ukraine’s media landscape is significantly broader and more complex than just a few years ago. At the same time, printed media often remain the only source of information for many communities. Therefore, as noted by Oleksandr Burmahin, the National Council plans to initiate a proposal to the Verkhovna Rada regarding the need for state support of the press as an essential component of the information space.
Oleksandr Burmahin called on journalists and editorial teams to closely follow the European integration processes in the media sector. All relevant information is published on the official website of the National Council and on its social media pages in the form of educational materials.
“The media must realize that in the next two or three steps of European integration, we will face a new paradigm – one that differs significantly from the current one.”
As an example, a member of the media regulator cited legislative changes in the field of personal data protection that Ukraine must implement in accordance with European requirements. At the same time, for journalists who adhere to ethical standards, these changes will not be a restriction; on the contrary, they will promote transparency and trust.
Factors negatively affecting the dynamics of the media landscape
According to Oleksandr Burmahin, the negative trends in the media landscape have a cumulative effect:
- general trends (the dominance of online media)
- the full-scale invasion (financial difficulties, staff shortages, decline in the advertising market, security concerns)
- USAID’s withdrawal from Ukraine.
“Despite all these serious challenges, our media landscape remains pluralistic. We still have a large number of media outlets: local, regional, and national.”
Countering hostile propaganda in frontline regions
During the broadcast, the importance of information security in frontline regions was also discussed. Oleksandr Burmahin emphasized that, to counter the penetration of hostile signals, regulator introduced a simplified procedure – free issuance of temporary broadcasting permits for media outlets willing to operate in these areas.
O. Burmahin named the Code of Ethics of Ukrainian Journalists as a universal tool in countering disinformation, as it helps both in legal matters and in maintaining information hygiene.
The National Council regularly organizes research, roundtables, and other events aimed at combating disinformation. This is especially relevant for online media, where manifestations of hate speech intended to divide society are increasingly being recorded.
The Regulator responds to such cases within the framework of current legislation. Passive monitoring of the online environment is already being carried out, but active monitoring requires additional software, which is currently lacking.
On Artificial Intelligence
The National Council, together with the Ministry of Digital Transformation, representatives of relevant non-governmental organizations, and government agencies, has developed recommendations for the responsible use of artificial intelligence in the media. This comprehensive document is available on the website of the National Council. Media outlets can use it as a responsible tool in their work to remain honest with their audiences.
The full interview is available here.
