GENERATION OF WAR IN THE PUBLIC SPHERE: POLITICAL, HUMANITARIAN, AND MEDIA DIMENSIONS

Abstract

This research explores the topic of media coverage of minors – witnesses of the war during the Russian-Ukrainian war. The methodology is based on general scientific methods and research in journalism studies. Scientific facts or testimonies of officials and participants in the events recorded in journalistic materials were collected using the observation method. The article is discussing the right of the child to participate in decision-making, which is the fundamental principle of the so-called Child Rights-Based Approach to Media. With the narrative changing, minors are perceived not as passive objects of the media but as active participants in events. Establishing frameworks (including restrictions related to war) and adhering to ethical journalistic standards involves finding effective solutions related to the “frame analysis” of Erving Goffman. The study is based on the works of both domestic and foreign experts in the field of journalism. This study offers three directions that form an understanding of how the topic of children is covered in the mass media. It’s believed that the factual function is responsible for collecting data and conveying concise information to the masses. The moral-ethical function combines moral principles and professional standards of journalism. The motivating function encourages journalists and the audience to social solidarity during wartime for the support of vulnerable groups of the population through international initiatives, human rights organizations, or volunteer movements. It has been found that journalistic materials aimed at consolidating the efforts of society to protect these vulnerable groups from current and potential threats (short-term goal) and the preservation of the future nation (long-term perspective) are of particular importance. It was determined that journalists should assume the role of moderators, who are capable of safeguarding the rights of children through their content while also adhering to the ethical standards of journalism and realizing the consequences of the RF modus operandi for children.