Media law as a tool for protecting citizens’ rights in the fight against corruption

Abstract

The article examines the role and peculiarities of media law as a tool for protecting the rights of citizens in the fight against corruption in Ukraine. Based on the latest sociological data, the author analyses the state of perception of corruption in Ukrainian society: as of 2024, corruption remains one of the most acute problems, ranking second after the armed aggression of the Russian Federation. At the same time, there is a downward trend in assessments of its dynamics: 69.1% of the population and 57% of business representatives noted an increase in the level of corruption, which is significantly higher than in the previous year.

The study pays considerable attention to the analysis of the new Law of Ukraine, “On Media”, and its impact on the development of anti-corruption mechanisms. The key innovations of the law are considered, including the introduction of requirements for transparency of the media ownership structure, control over their financing and the expansion of the powers of the National Council on Television and Radio Broadcasting.

The specifics of the functioning of media law under martial law are studied, particularly the problem of striking a balance between the requirements of national security and the need to maintain transparency and accountability of the authorities. Attention is paid to the issues of access to information on the use of budgetary funds in the security sector and the problem of protecting journalists during anti-corruption investigations in the context of increased security risks.

Based on the media monitoring data, a significant differentiation in the coverage of anti-corruption topics by different types of online resources was identified. It is found that online media demonstrate a more balanced approach, basing most of their content on specific situations and factual data, while social media are dominated by emotional assessments and pessimistic narratives about the possibility of overcoming corruption. The article analyses the activities of independent anti-corruption media projects and NGOs, which play an important role in exposing corruption schemes and shaping an anti-corruption culture through professional journalism and innovative approaches to investigations.

The author substantiates the need to improve further the legal mechanisms for regulating the information space, taking into account the specifics of wartime and the requirements of European integration. The author offers recommendations for enhancing the effectiveness of media law as a tool for combating corruption, in particular through developing mechanisms for state support for independent anti-corruption media, improving the whistleblower protection system, and ensuring balanced coverage of anti-corruption issues in various types of media.