Ukrainian News Media Representations and Framing of NGOs

This study examines how Ukrainian news media portray and frame nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) from 2019 to 2024 using quantitative content analysis. Despite NGOs' crucial role in Ukrainian society, they face low public trust, political instability, and a lack of research on their media representations. Findings from 306 news articles reveal that NGOs received positive coverage, focusing on their activities and role as information sources. However, episodic framing and portrayal as story attributes rather than primary subjects dominated, potentially limiting public understanding of their broader impact. The study suggests that NGOs should engage proactively with media to promote thematic framing and showcase their work, while journalists should consider the implications of their framing choices. This research contributes insights for stakeholders working to strengthen civil society in Ukraine and highlights the importance of strategic communication for NGOs in challenging environments.