According to the latest report from the Institute of Mass Information (IMI), 18 Ukrainian media outlets have been included in the updated “white list” for their adherence to transparency and journalistic standards during the first half of 2026.
The assessment, which is the result of a two-phase in-depth monitoring of online media, evaluates criteria such as transparency, accountability, compliance with journalistic standards, and clear labeling of advertising materials.
“The evaluation covers criteria of transparency, accountability, adherence to journalistic standards, as well as clear labeling of advertising materials,” analysts explained.
The media outlets recognized include notable names such as Suspilne News, Espresso, Babel, the Ukrainian service of Radio Free Europe, Hromadske, Ukrainska Pravda, NV, Texty, LB.ua, Ukrinform, Hromadske Radio, Ukrainsky Tyzhden, ZN.UA, Rubryka, Slovo i Dilo, Novynarnia, and Frontliner.
On average, these outlets demonstrated a compliance rate of approximately 96% with professional standards. The IMI reported that the central news feeds of these media did not contain instances of paid content, hate speech, sexism, or misinformation, although some materials were noted for inadequate labeling.
Oksana Romaniuk, director of IMI, stated that the “white list” serves as a guide for audiences in an environment where distinguishing quality information from manipulation is increasingly challenging.
“The fact that 18 media maintain a standard of over 95% shows that quality journalism exists in Ukraine even in the fifth year of full-scale war, despite significant challenges and the exhaustion of Ukrainian editorial teams,” she concluded.
Research Methodology by IMI
In the first phase of its research, IMI assessed 50 popular Ukrainian online media outlets for manipulative content, misinformation, and black PR, selected based on previous monitoring data and analytics from SimilarWeb.
During the second phase, the media that passed the initial evaluation were analyzed based on criteria such as balance, accuracy, separation of facts from opinions, presence of paid content, sexism, hate speech, harmful content, and transparency regarding contact information, editorial policies, and media ownership.
Media outlets that demonstrated a compliance rate of at least 95% after all evaluation stages were included in the “white list.” The methodology of the research is available through IMI’s official channels.
About IMI
The Institute of Mass Information (IMI) is a media NGO operating since 1996. It advocates for journalists’ rights, analyzes the media landscape, and reports on media-related events while combating propaganda and misinformation. Since 2014, IMI has provided media resources for protection during assignments in conflict zones amid the ongoing Russian-Ukrainian war.
IMI conducts the only monitoring of freedom of speech in Ukraine and maintains a list of quality and responsible online media, documenting media crimes committed by Russia in the war against Ukraine. The organization has representatives in 20 regions of Ukraine and operates a network of “Media Base” hubs for ongoing support to journalists. IMI partners with organizations such as Reporters Without Borders and Freedom House and is part of the International Freedom of Expression Exchange (IFEX).
Eighteen Ukrainian media outlets have been recognized for their commitment to transparency and professional standards, according to a recent report by the Institute of Mass Information. This assessment highlights the ongoing presence of quality journalism in Ukraine amidst challenging circumstances.