Authors

Oleksandra Iaroshenko¹;  ¹ National University of Kyiv-Mohyla Academy, Ukraine

Discussion

The socio-political contexts of France and Ukraine fundamentally diverge in their impact on journalistic practices. In Ukraine, journalists navigate the immediate challenges of military conflict, prioritizing rapid response to disinformation and propaganda. Conversely, French journalists operate within a more stable democratic environment, enabling more deliberative approaches to fact-checking and adherence to established ethical standards.

This comparative study aims to systematically analyze the differences in journalistic practices between Ukraine and France, exploring how socio-political conditions, technological tools, and professional ethics intersect to shape media responses. By examining how journalists in these two countries address disinformation and crisis reporting, the research seeks to illuminate the unique professional challenges emerging from their distinct national contexts.

Methodologically, the study employs a qualitative research design, utilizing semi-structured interviews with 20 journalists from diverse media organizations across Ukraine and France. The research methodology involves thematic analysis of interview data to identify key themes related to journalistic tools, ethical considerations, and professional approaches. A comparative analytical framework will subsequently reveal nuanced similarities and differences in journalistic practices.

Preliminary findings reveal stark contrasts in journalistic approaches. Ukrainian journalists prioritize rapid information verification and personal safety protocols in response to the ongoing conflict, developing adaptive strategies for information verification under extreme conditions. French journalists, by contrast, emphasize procedural thoroughness, systematic fact-checking, and strict adherence to established ethical guidelines.

The study illuminates how socio-political environments profoundly shape journalistic practice, demonstrating that conflict contexts fundamentally transform not only information verification approaches but also the ethical frameworks within which journalists operate. These findings contribute to a more nuanced global understanding of media professionals' adaptive strategies under varying levels of political instability, underscoring the critical need for context-sensitive support and professional training in journalism.