A Russian mass drone strike on 17 November destroyed the Institute of Mass Information hub Mediabaza Dnipro, which was located in the building of the local Suspilne branch, reports Kateryna Lysшuk, the IMI representative in Dnipropetrovsk oblast.
According to her, the IMI Mediabaza was located on the second floor of the two-story building. Right now, the area is off-limits: the roof had caught fire during the strike and later collapsed.
“It’s unclear what has come of our equipment, both that used at the Mediabaza and the safety gear worn by journalists going to the combat zone. Due to the roof collapse, we are not allowed on the second floor, including in the Mediabaza premises. They will start digging through the rubble shortly, we hope that at least some things have survived and we will be able to continue helping journalists at least with safety gear,” said Kateryna Lysiuk.
The IMI Mediabaza had operated in the Suspilne building for a year and a half.
“Here we hosted various classes, meetings, the Mediabaza provided working space for journalists. Our last event was an art gathering where media workers painted pictures. The atmosphere was so heartfelt that it is painful to look at now, what the Russians have done,” said the IMI representative.
As reported earlier, the building where the regional Suspilne branch and Ukrainske Radio were located was damaged in the Russian mass drone strike in Dnipro late on 17 November. The strike resulted in a fire breaking out, blasted out windows and doors, damaged the building’s ceilings and the roof.
Mediabaza Dnipro offered classes on first aid, working in unsafe conditions, and gender-sensitive journalism. It also hosted mental health recovery events such as kayaking and art meetings.
Mediabaza Dnipro hosted 35 events since 2022, attended by 513 participants. Another 183 people used the Mediabaza as a co-working space, and 36 borrowed safety gear or energy equipment there.
The Russian strike also damaged a television tower in Dnipro. Local TV channels and radio are now off air.
For reference. The Mediabazas are a network of 15 regional hubs created by the Institute of Mass Information to support the work of independent media professionals amid Russia’s full-scale war on Ukraine.
The Mediabazas offer journalists a work space during blackouts, bulletproof vests and helmets, workshops, classes, and help in communication with local authorities. This list of services is not exhaustive as IMI’s regional hubs adapt their offerings in response to the needs of the media community in their respective regions.
The IMI Mediabazas are funded with the support of the European Union.
