War and People: How Media Can Move Beyond the Victim Narrative

On 28 January at 5:00 p.m, we invite everyone to join us at the Lviv Media Hub for a conversation on the ethics of war reporting in the media. This event is a joint initiative of Lviv Media Forum and INDEX: Institute for Documentation and Exchange.

War is not just about “politics. ”Above all, it is about human lives, actions and stories. When reporting on war, we expect the media to show respect, care and empathy for the losses and suffering of Ukrainians — but that’s not all.

How can media go beyond the simple narrative of “victim or hero” and present a fuller, more nuanced picture? What challenges do journalists face when telling the stories of civilians and soldiers who have lived — or are still living — through the war? How can they avoid stereotypes and biases while striking a balance between the interests of their audience and the people whose stories they tell?

We invite you to join an open conversation with Sara Cincurova, a Slovak journalist who has been covering the war since 2014 and has written extensively about Ukraine for leading international outlets, and Alina Sarnatska, a human rights advocate, playwright and veteran, who combines media experience with firsthand insight into the realities of war.

Alina is a participant of the Veteran Program, supported by Razom, while Sara is part of the Scholars in Residence program supported by ERSTE Foundation at INDEX: the Institute for Documentation and Exchange.

The conversation will be moderated by Halyna Tanai, Program Director of the LMF International Conference.

Working language: English.

Please register via the link.

Venue: Lviv Media Hub (Creative Space KIVSH, 120 Shevchenka St.)

Admission fee: A bottle of wine or another drink you love and would like to share with your colleagues.