Innovative Solutions and Creative Strategies in Times of War: Establishing the International Insurance Fund for Journalists

Abstract

The study provides a theoretical framework and practical analysis of the International Insurance Fund for Journalists as an innovative model for protecting media professionals during armed conflicts. The focus is on examining strategies for professional community solidarity and mechanisms for engaging foreign institutions to ensure the stable operation of the press in high-risk areas.

Methods. The methodological basis of the research is the systematic-structural approach, which views the insurance initiative as a holistic ecosystem. The deductive method is used to assess the impact of national regulatory changes on local media projects. The analytical-prognostic method allows outlining the prospects for implementing the Ukrainian experience into international occupational safety protocols for journalists.

Results. The research reveals that the Fund’s effectiveness is based on the principle of "radical transparency" and cross-sectoral cooperation among media NGOs. The innovation lies in transitioning from ad hoc assistance to systematic risk management, encompassing preventive training, professional qualification verification, and technical support for reporters. The study analyzes the correlation between the Fund’s activities and updates to specialized legislation, which determines new standards of liability for media entities toward their employees.    

Conclusions. The scientific novelty consists in demonstrating that creating a specialized insurance institution provides an effective alternative to conventional commercial tools, which fail to function in force majeure circumstances. The creative strategies underlying the Fund not only mitigate threats to the lives and health of media workers but also strengthen the resilience of the national information space. The study’s findings can serve as a foundation for developing global professional insurance systems for crisis situations.