«Quality reporting is cool. But life is more important»: the media base in Mykolaiv discussed the work of mass media in the de-occupied territories

On Thursday, November 9, in the «Mediabaza. Mykolaiv» hub, journalists Ivan Antipenko («Radio Liberty», «Grunt») and Dmytro Sheremet («Radio Liberty», «News of Azov»), together with student journalists, analyzed the peculiarity and behavior of media workers in the liberated territories.

This was reported by the correspondent of NikVesti.

The stories that appear in the mass media after de-occupation are scary, painful and emotionally killing. The journalists shared their experience and explained that it helps them not to let it pass through themselves, so as not to «burn out».

Both journalists are from the Kherson region. The news about the liberation of the Right Bank from Russian troops was a surprise for them, as well as for the whole country, which was hard to believe. They managed to get to the liberated settlements among the first, but not as journalists.

— The state of euphoria lasted until November 22. It was quite difficult to get there, because everything was closed, military personnel and volunteers were allowed through. We hung out with them and drove like Kherson people. The materials I prepared when I returned home to the liberated territory were personal to me. It's not that I'm showing myself there, but I'm putting the maximum out of myself into this material in order to create a connection, — says Ivan Antipenko.

At the same time, the journalists emphasize the importance of having an official permit to work in the de-occupied territory. But for this you need to use any opportunities, both legal and not so much.

— It is better to film the report and make it. The fact that people live under shelling is nothing, it is necessary to show how they live, because many people forget that there are settlements that live under daily shelling, — thinks Dmytro Sheremet.

An important aspect of work in the de-occupied territories is the state of its minefield, because mines and stretch marks can be literally everywhere, even in abandoned houses.

— The first months after the de-occupation are not only mines, stretch marks, they are the remains of the people who occupied our territories. Those who were hiding were caught in landings. This job is very high risk. And besides this danger, there are still people there who supported the Russians. Therefore, you, as journalists, should filter as much as possible and give an objective picture, — he adds.

We would like to remind you that 4 mass media from the Mykolaiv region are included in the interactive Map of recommended media, developed by «Media Detector» and «Institute of Mass Information».