Merit Forum 2025

The MERIT is an opportunity for media experts from Ukraine to enhance their knowledge of Ukrainian and EU legislation, with a specific focus on measures and opportunities to promote an enabling environment for media and safeguard democracy and human rights. MERIT is short for Media, Exchange, Regulation, Integration, Transparency and the initiative is a way to facilitate a professional exchange of experience, expertise, and knowledge among stakeholders from Denmark, the EU (particularly Brussels), and Ukraine.

A special focus is paid to media regulation, self-regulation, and the impact of key EU regulations, including the Digital Services Act (DSA), Digital Markets Act (DMA), European Media Freedom Act (EMFA), and audiovisual regulation.

This year’s cohort have been chosen amongst applicants based on their background and expertise, their own motivations and a shared dedication to improving and changing the environment for media in Ukraine. The group consists of:

• Media professionals, including journalists and editors
• Representatives from the regulatory agencies and self-regulatory bodies
• Policymakers and legal experts in media law
• NGO and civil society organizations focused on media freedom
• Academia and research studying media regulation

The MERIT 2025 group is:

Maksym Dvorovyi

Senior Legal Counsel at Digital Security Lab Ukraine

Public policy professional with almost 10 years of experience in digital rights and media regulation.

Engaged in preparation of amicus curiae submissions to international courts, quasi-judicial bodies, and UN agencies. Advised state authorities and international organisations in drafting legislation and sub-legislation aimed at furthering Ukraine’s integration into the European Union.

Conducted human rights impact assessment of Ukrainian and international digital rights legislation and case law, and prepared analytical materials. Experienced in building networks and partnerships; researching and analysing complex legal questions; and creating policy solutions for the benefit of the public.

“I participated in setting up legislative frameworks and ensuring their compliance with European standards, including the Law on Media, adopted in 2022, and the ongoing drafting of the DSA-type law. Therefore, constantly updating my knowledge in the respective fields is crucial for implementing best practices into these regulatory spheres while moving forward with the EU integration.”

Liudmyla Fedorchuk

Docent of Audiovisual Media Department at Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv, Institute of Journalism

TV journalist with 15 years of experience and a lecturer and researcher at the Institute of Journalism.

Specialised in teaching news and analytical broadcasting, producing students’ media, researching TV and new broadcasting technologies. Focused on media policies, ethical reporting, and the impact of digital transformation on journalism. Actively engaged in analytical journalism, media literacy initiatives and mentoring young professionals.

“The opportunity to participate in expert discussions with key stakeholders inside and outside Ukraine, as well as to collaborate with professionals from Ukraine, Denmark, and other EU countries, would be invaluable for both my professional growth and my ability to contribute to media reforms in Ukraine. I am particularly interested in exploring the practical regulatory mechanisms that can strengthen our information space.”

Yaroslav Yurchyshyn

Chairman of the Committee of the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine on Freedom of Speech

A seasoned media rights and anti-corruption expert with a proven track record in Ukrainian governance and civil society leadership.

Demonstrated expertise in policy development, advocacy and institutional reform. Consistently demonstrated commitment to enhancing transparency, accountability and media freedom in Ukraine through policy initiatives, legislative work and civil society engagement. Successfully led major institutional reforms and anti-corruption campaigns while advocating for press freedom and journalistic rights.

“I am particularly excited about the prospect of collaborative learning and the opportunity to develop transformative initiatives for Ukraine’s media environment. With experience in legislative oversight and media policy development, I am confident that my participation would contribute meaningfully to the programme’s objectives while enhancing my ability to guide Ukraine’s media landscape toward European standards.”

Anastasiya Ravva

General Producer (Head of content creation and production) at Espreso TV

Media professional with more than two decades of experience in various editorial roles, from journalist and senior editor to editor-in-chief, and now as General Producer.

This led to deep insights into content creation, production strategies and newsroom management. Leading one of Ukraine’s most reputable news platforms during a time of significant political and social transformation has further reinforced the commitment to strengthening independent journalism and promoting fact-based reporting.

“I would be honoured to represent Ukrainian media at this prestigious event and collaborate with fellow experts to shape the future of independent journalism. Participating in the MERIT Forum would provide an invaluable opportunity to engage with leading media professionals, exchange strategies on navigating political and financial pressures, and explore new approaches to audience engagement and content monetisation. I believe my expertise in newsroom leadership, media production, and strategic editorial decision-making would contribute meaningfully to the discussions at the forum.”

Maksym Onopriienko

Member of the National Council of Ukraine on TV and Radio Broadcasting

Seasoned Ukrainian film and television producer with two decades of experience and one of the key figures in the regulatory sphere.

Awarded 11 times across various categories at Ukraine’s leading television award, Teletriumph. Furthermore, he produced the feature film “Rock’n’Ball”, which was presented at Cannes Film Festival’s MDF in 2011. He has participated in over 20 film festivals globally with 13 nominations and awards. Founded the nationwide television content exchange platform, Media Change Ukraine, which helped local Ukrainian broadcasters cope with the challenges of the pandemic, propaganda, and the full-scale Russian-Ukrainian war.

“I am excited about the opportunity to engage with leading experts, exchange ideas, and apply the knowledge gained to strengthen Ukraine’s media resilience. The MERIT Forum represents an outstanding opportunity where I can gain insights through engaging in expert discussions with key media professionals, regulatory agencies, policy makers, and academic institutions in Belgium and Denmark. I am eager to share Ukraine’s experience in countering disinformation during times of war, offering a unique perspective on regulatory challenges and achievements in crisis conditions.”

Olga Yurkova

Department Assistant at Igor Sikorsky Kyiv Polytechnic Institute

Co-founder of the StopFake.org project; journalist and editor with 20 years of experience; media trainer and consultant with 12 years of experience.

In 2016, entered the top 100 young leaders of Eastern and Central Europe – “for countering propaganda”. Named a TED Fellow in 2018 and gave a talk at the TED Conference in Vancouver. Council of Europe’s national expert in Ukraine, countering disinformation and StratCom expert, expert factchecker at comprehensive awareness raising campaign on disinformation.

“My experience includes editorial leadership, media consultancy, academic research, and government advisory. I have directly confronted challenges such as media sustainability and disinformation, making the MERIT Forum’s objectives particularly relevant to my work. My experience in mentoring young media professionals aligns with the forum’s focus on fostering the next generation of media leaders. I am keen to support knowledge-sharing initiatives, advocate for innovative regulatory solutions, and contribute to shaping Ukraine’s media future within the European framework.”

Andrii Bystrov

Programme Director at Ukrainska Pravda

Over 18 years of dedicated experience in Ukrainian media, as a journalist, editor and media manager.

Responsible for communications with donors, development of reader communities, partnerships, and content monetisation strategies in current role at Ukrainska Pravda (pravda.com.ua). PhD student at the Educational and Scientific Institute of Journalism of Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv, focusing on crisis communications in wartime. Possessed strong experience in strategic communications at state and international levels.

“I am deeply committed to advancing media freedom, transparency, and democratic values in Ukraine. Participating in the MERIT Forum would not only enrich my understanding of EU legislation but also empower me to advocate for transformative initiatives crucial to Ukraine’s ongoing media landscape evolution.”

Mariya Frey

Board member, Ukrainian Public Broadcasting Company SUSPILNE

Leader with over 10 years of experience in transforming and strengthening media in Ukraine.

Experienced in supporting freedom of expression, promoting diversity and inclusion, and aligning media practices with democratic principles. Passionate about engaging communities, promoting equality, and implementing innovative initiatives. Advocates for impact-oriented leadership and European cooperation. Has the academic background and leadership skills to navigate the intersection of media, politics, and governance.

“Over the past decade, I have led strategic initiatives to transform media in Ukraine, prioritising diversity, equity, and inclusion. I have seen firsthand how inclusive storytelling can empower marginalised communities and promote social cohesion. By engaging with EU stakeholders and participating in exchange visits, I hope to gain practical insight into how to use DEI principles to create regulatory mechanisms that will protect Ukraine’s information space while promoting accountability and transparency.”

Background

The MERIT Forum is a component in IMS’s (International Media Support) Eastern Partnership programme REACH: Media partnerships for accountability and trust (hereafter REACH), which is funded by the Danish Ministry of Foreign Affairs. REACH aims to contribute to a more democratic, inclusive, and resilient information environment. Through the MERIT Forum IMS will look to facilitate capacity sharing and professional exchange on media laws, policies and practices with EU legislation, in line with international standards and with a strong focus on a Human Rights-Based Approach (HRBA) and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI).