News
News
May 9, 2023
Major Journalism Conference in NYC
A major journalism conference focused on the war in Ukraine, its impact on the region and Russian disinformation will be held in New York May 19-20, 2023. The annual conference of the Ukrainian Journalism Association of North America in partnership with the renowned Ukrainian Institute of America is scheduled at a particularly crucial moment
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For immediate release
Major Journalism Conference in New York
May 19-20, 2023:
‘Ukraine: Raising its Voice – Journalism & Misinformation at a Time of War’
NEW YORK, May 9, 2023 - A major journalism conference focused on the war in Ukraine, its impact on the region and Russian disinformation will be held in New York May 19-20, 2023.
The annual conference of the Ukrainian Journalism Association of North America in partnership with the renowned Ukrainian Institute of America is scheduled at a particularly crucial moment as journalists in Ukraine come under increasing threat, as the media sector reels from a collapse in revenue and loss of talent due to the war - and as Russian misinformation and manipulation are on an alarming upswing. Through insightful talks and networking, the event is being structured to facilitate fresh interaction between Ukrainian media outlets both in North America and inside Ukraine and with emigre media entities. Organizers say they wish to encourage stronger connections between Ukrainian journalists and their colleagues in mainstream media. Finally, the organizers wish to amplify some of the positive aspects of Ukraine in its fight against Russian aggression - including how it has risen to a new level on the battle frontline of social media and marketing.
The conference will be held at the prestigious Ukrainian Institute of America (2 East 79th Street), an architectural gem nestled on Central Park East, in the heart of Manhattan’s Museum Mile. It occupies one of the grandest turn-of-the-century structures that remain in the city. As one of the premiere Ukrainian cultural hubs on the continent, the UIA will provide an ideal environment to promote Ukrainian music and talent - but also to serve up discussion on Saturday on how Russia has used the war to commit cultural genocide.
The program commences on Friday evening with a poignant video tribute to journalists who have lost their lives in the Ukraine conflict, followed by a moment of silence. There will also be a hybrid cultural program with artists from Ukraine and the U.S., followed by a curated tasting of products from wineries in Ukraine (some of which have come under Russian attack) and Moldova.
The conference will feature an impressive line-up of speakers from Ukraine, Europe and North America. They include:
award-winning Ukrainian investigative journalist Natalie Sedletska. Head of “Schemes” - RFE/RL’s Ukrainian service investigative department ; Acting RFE/RL’s Kyiv Bureau Chief. She had stayed in Ukraine since the start of the invasion to report on the war and has uncovered Russian atrocities against civilians such as mass graves;
Laura Ballman. A Washington-based strategic business consultant and frequent geopolitical media commentator, Laura previously served as a CIA operations officer overseas, including in multiple war-zones that were marred by cultural genocide. She also served several years managing intelligence for the FBI’s international art crime team;
live from Kyiv, Mykhailo Podolyak, the adviser to the head of Office of the President of Ukraine;
live from Brussels, Teri Schultz - freelance correspondent, NPR/DW;
Helena Lins, Reporter, CNN Portugal. A Portuguese, Bulgarian and Brazilian journalist covering human rights, social justice and foreign affairs. Part of the founding team of CNN Portugal, she has been focusing on the Russian invasion of Ukraine;
Kristina Hook. Assistant Professor of Conflict Management at Kennesaw State University’s School of Conflict Management, Peace-building, and Development. Senior Fellow, Atlantic Council;
Roman Badanin, founder and editor-in-chief of Proekt and Agentstvo (The Agency, in English), a collaboration of journalists who have been targeted by the Russian government for their investigative reporting into the most powerful forces in their country.
Sarah Kerr, a reporter and producer in the video unit at The New York Times, covering national and international stories and breaking news.
Amb. Sergiy Kyslytsya, Permanent Representative of Ukraine to the United Nations
Notably, some of the sessions will be co-branded with the Washington, DC-based think tank, the Atlantic Council. The generous support of sponsors is highly appreciated - including from the Self Reliance New York Federal Credit Union and the SUMA Federal Credit Union.
About the Ukrainian Journalists’ Association of North America
The Ukrainian Journalists’ Association of North America is a Toronto-based union of journalists working as staffers and freelancers at Ukrainian publications on the continent, professional journalists at mainstream media outlets who have a connection to Ukraine as well as others who support and create quality journalism. Previously, UJANA has held an annual conference in Kerhonkson, NY, and supported panels in Toronto, Kyiv, and at the Lviv Media Forum.
About the Ukrainian Institute of America
The Ukrainian Institute of America, Inc. is a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting the art, music and literature of Ukraine and the Ukrainian diaspora. It serves both as a center for the Ukrainian-American community and as America’s “Window on Ukraine,” hosting art exhibits, concerts, film screenings, poetry readings, literary evenings, children’s programs, lectures, symposia, and full educational programs, all open to the public. www.ukrainianinstitute.org
To view the full conference agenda, click here
To register, click here
For further information contact:
Preeti Bali
+447470918958
Olena Kalbania (Ukrainian media)
+33698435901
Olena.kalabania@gmail.com