Publishers across the news industry are ensuring factual information is reported and their readers have opportunities to support those in need
With misinformation a persistent threat through deliberate action by the Russian government, it has never been more important for accurate information to be published by reputable sources and widely available for readers.
UK news brands have emphasised their commitment to ensuring this is the case even more so during the Ukraine crisis.
The images on the front pages have told their own story: Ukraine is under attack, with millions of people suffering the direct and indirect consequences of violence. Backing up these often harrowing pictures are reports from courageous foreign correspondents and photographers on the ground.
These reports have fed into extensive coverage of the crisis. Extended reports have focussed on all aspects of the crisis, from frontline experiences to how the conflict affects our lives in the UK.
Meanwhile, news teams across the world are ensuring readers are kept up-to-date with live blogs and social media activity, while also providing coverage through podcasts, rolling radio coverage and video content.
Campaigning for the cause
However, news brands’ commitment to covering the Ukraine crisis has not stopped at providing trusted information. Echoing their readers’ concerns about the millions of Ukrainians in danger and the thousands fleeing their homes, publishers have set up campaigns to raise money and awareness for those who desperately need it.
Backed by both Boris Johnson and Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer, the Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday’s Ukraine appeal has been record-breaking in the speed of the fundraising and the amount of money raised by readers.
With over £250,000 raised in a single day by readers, this amount has now surpassed £1.25 million in the three days the campaign has been running. Money raised will be spent on delivering food, water, medical supplies, warm clothes and shelter.
Following the Mail titles’ campaign, fellow Mail Metro Media title the i set up its own Ukraine appeal. The news brand is working with the Disaster Emergency Committee, a partnership of 15 charities working on the ground in Ukraine to help.
Meanwhile, The Sun has set up a Ukraine Fund in response to the harrowing pictures of women and children fleeing devastation in towns and cities across the city.
The Sun’s campaign, also backed by the prime minister and other notable figures, is also working with the Red Cross both inside Ukraine and in neighbouring countries where refugees need urgent attention.
Campaigns for donations have also been set up by the Evening Standard, who is collecting donations for charities working on the ground. Launching the campaign alongside the International Red Cross, the ES campaign has now added Save the Children to its beneficiaries.
Elsewhere, the Independent has restarted its Refugees Welcome campaign, calling on the government to set up a resettlement scheme to give Ukrainians fleeing invasion sanctuary in Britain. It has also called on the government to lead international aid efforts and on readers to donate money to charities working with those suffering.
Together, the Independent and the Evening Standard’s donation campaigns (for the same beneficiaries) have raised £70,000 in just 24 hours.
The Mirror has teamed up with Save the Children’s campaign, while the Express has chosen to spotlight the charities Help Ukraine Emergency Appeal and British-Ukrainian Aid. The Telegraph and the Guardian have listed other ways readers can help, including funding Ukrainian independent journalism and writing to readers’ local MP.
