About Us

About Us

Institutional Foundation of Press Independence and Freedom of Speech

The Non-Governmental Organization “Bureau of Independent Press” (NGO “BIP”) is a nationwide Ukrainian non-profit association uniting journalists, publicists, editors, investigative reporters, and human rights advocates.

The organization is officially registered in Ukraine under EDRPOU code 46416857 with certified non-profit status (Registry Code: 0032). We operate to protect independent journalism, guarantee freedom of speech, support periodical press, and provide public oversight across Ukraine.

Our Mission and Vision

The overarching statutory goal of the Non-Governmental Organization “Bureau of Independent Press” is to exercise and comprehensively protect constitutional human rights and fundamental freedoms, uphold the rule of law, and safeguard freedom of expression as well as the professional activity of journalists.

Our Vision:

A democratic Ukraine featuring an advanced, decentralized, and self-sufficient media landscape, where every journalist operates free from fear of censorship, physical threats, or political persecution, and every citizen enjoys access to verified information sources and premium-quality print and digital press.

Key Operational Priorities:

  • Uncompromising Press Freedom: Defending the constitutional right to gather, store, and disseminate information of public interest, while eliminating administrative barriers hindering journalistic work.

  • Public Oversight of Authorities: Facilitating investigative journalism, monitoring the actions of central government bodies and local self-government institutions, and enforcing accountability for the expenditure of state and donor funds.

  • Safety and Legal Protection of Media Workers: Delivering comprehensive legal aid to authors and newsrooms, alongside prompt institutional response to cases of unlawful interference with journalistic duties.

  • Financial and Editorial Sustainability of Regional Media: Introducing viable media business models, securing grant-based and international support, and executing joint publishing initiatives.

Key Areas of Activity

In accordance with our statutory objectives, the organization carries out its work across five strategic areas:

1. Protection of Journalists’ Rights, Free Flow of Information, and Professional Safety

  • Monitoring violations of reporters’ rights, providing legal support, and advocating for the freedom of movement and access of journalists to public events and areas of public interest.

  • Ensuring the representation of media professionals’ interests before state authorities, law enforcement bodies, and judicial instances.

  • Creating conditions for the safe operation of newsrooms under martial law.

2. Development of Print Periodicals and Independent Digital Media

  • Establishing and managing proprietary media outlets, as well as developing joint publishing initiatives with regional newsrooms.

  • Supporting the print press as an indispensable communication channel for communities, including de-occupied and frontline territories.

  • Implementing digital innovations, SEO optimization, and cross-platform news distribution for local portals.

3. Analytics, Sociology, and Public Opinion Polling

  • Conducting sociological surveys and analytical research on the state of the media market and public sentiment to support evidence-based policymaking.

  • Preparing industry reports on freedom of speech, transparency of regional authorities, and the efficiency of local resource allocation.

4. Education, Media Literacy, and Professional Growth

  • Conducting seminars, investigative journalism bootcamps, and masterclasses for emerging journalists and regional newsrooms.

  • Implementing educational programs for the public on countering hostile propaganda, fact-checking, and recognizing disinformation.

5. European Integration and Cooperation with International Donors

  • Implementing European Union standards in the field of media and human rights protection.

  • Developing partnerships with international democracy support funds, human rights missions, and donor programs.

Leadership and Transparent Governance System

The governance of the public organization is built upon the principles of democracy, periodic reporting, and a strict separation of powers:

  • Supreme Governing Body — General Meeting of Organization Members: Convenes annually for regular sessions to approve strategic directions of work, adopt financial plans, review annual reports, and make key institutional decisions.

  • Executive Body — Director: Ihor Yuriiovych Melnykov.

  • The sole head acts on behalf of the organization without a power of attorney in accordance with the Charter. The Director carries out operational management, represents the organization in relations with international partners, state authorities, and media communities, organizes the implementation of decisions made by the General Meeting, and bears personal responsibility for compliance with legislation and the targeted use of funds.

  • Membership and Internal Control: Membership in the organization is individual and voluntary. Each member holds a decisive vote at meetings, has access to financial information, and has the right to initiate the consideration of any issues concerning statutory activities.