When anything can happen: lessons in planning for the unknown from a wartime newsroom

Uncertainty is a challenge faced by every media organization—whether it’s due to global conflicts, economic instability, or shifting audience dynamics. The Kyiv Independent has had to learn how to navigate extreme uncertainty. As a Ukrainian media outlet covering an ongoing war, it has had to create and adapt its strategy every year without knowing what the next might bring.
This panel will explore how the Kyiv Independent has not only survived but grew during its first three years, despite the challenges of war. As it plans for 2025, the team faces unprecedented questions: What happens if the war ends or freezes, which it likely will, potentially leading to a global loss of interest in Ukraine? How can a media outlet overcome not just war fatigue, but the even greater disengagement that comes with the end of hostilities? How can it prepare for other scenarios — escalation of the war, including nuclear weapons, or advanced missile technology?
These scenarios might sound extreme, but the lessons learned by the Kyiv Independent in planning for them are applicable to any media organization grappling with uncertainty. From building flexible strategies to maintaining relevance in changing circumstances, this discussion offers insights and practical takeaways for navigating the unknown—whether you’re in a newsroom or managing a media brand. Join this session to learn how to think ahead, adapt quickly, and ensure your mission endures, no matter what the future holds.
Organised in association with Kyiv Independent.