By the end of 2020, 65% of edititorial offices keep on working remotely – IMI research

In December 2020, 65% of Ukrainian mass media outlets have been working remotely. For comparison: according to the IMI survey in May 2020, 47% of editorial offices worked remotely. 

These are the results of an anonymous targeted opinion poll mass media conducted by the Institute of Mass Information on December 14-22, 2020 *.

The respondents were asked to indicate their monthly salary in 2020, they received for journalistic activity. The media professionals in Kyiv had the highest earnings : an average of UAH 19,145 (about $674). Journalists living in regional centers earned an average of UAH 10,830 (about $381), and journalists living in district centers received UAH 8,237 (about $ 290).

It’s of interest to note that the salaries of male respondents were 11% higher than the salaries of female respondents in regional centers and 9% higher in district centers.

The opinion poll showed that employees in mass media  earn an average of UAH 12,864 (about $463) per month, and freelance journalists earn UAH 8,962 (about $365) over the same period.  

22% of interviewed journalists said that their financial standing deteriorated since beginning of  2020. At the same time, 26% of respondents said that their financial situation had improved, and another 42% said that their financial health had not changed at all **.

* The survey was conducted using an anonymous online opinion poll by means of an interactive structured questionnaire, a link to which was sent to potential respondents - journalists and editors. A total of 185 responses were received from the media. 83% were respondents from the regions of Ukraine, 17% were respondents from the city of Kyiv. 63% were women, 37% were men. The study was conducted during December 14-22, 2020. 

** The total sum of the answers is not equal to 100%, because the respondents could choose several answers.

This study was made possible by the support of the American people through the USAID Media Program in Ukraine project, implemented by the international organization Internews Network. The contents are the sole responsibility of the Institute for Mass Information and do not necessarily reflect the views of USAID, the US Government or the Internews Network.