The Supervisory Board of Suspilne Broadcasting has approved the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Concept, which defines strategic approaches to ensuring equal opportunities, accessibility, and respect for diversity — both within the organization and in the content it produces. The document was adopted on August 8 and has already been published on Suspilne’s website.
Ukrainian and international experts took part in developing the Concept. Among them was Liza Kuzmenko, Head of Women in Media NGO and a member of the Commission on Journalistic Ethics, who joined as a gender expert.
“It is important for us that Suspilne, as the national broadcaster, sets new standards of work—not only internally, but for the entire media industry. The DEI Concept lays the foundation for an inclusive, safe, and fair media space where every person’s voice will be heard and represented,” — said Liza Kuzmenko.
How the Concept Was Created
The document is the result of a multi-level process, including:
- a series of internal workshops and self-assessments at Suspilne;
- consultations with representatives of different communities;
- a two-day workshop in Poland;
- cooperation with Ukrainian and international experts who provided recommendations and evaluated current practices.
The process was coordinated by Suspilne’s Department for Diversity, Inclusion, and Equal Opportunities with the support of the Council of Europe Office in Ukraine.
Principles and Priorities
The Concept is based on the principles of inclusion, equality, fairness, diversity, and belonging. Key priority areas include:
- accessibility;
- support for veterans and the veteran community;
- rights of national minorities and indigenous peoples;
- gender equality;
- age diversity;
- rights of the LGBTIQ+ community.
Importance for the Media
The Concept will be implemented at two levels: institutional and content-related. This means the changes will affect both the internal organizational culture and the approaches to producing programs, news, and projects.
For Suspilne Broadcasting, the document will serve as a guide for editorial policies, training programs, and performance monitoring. For the entire media industry, it provides an example of a systemic approach to introducing equality, inclusion, and respect for diversity.
“For me, creating the DEI Concept was not just a professional task, but a deep conviction in the importance of ensuring that Suspilne is a place where everyone feels heard, visible, and protected. We are reaffirming the values on which Suspilne stands: respect for human dignity and diversity, equal opportunities, fairness, and openness. Now we have a clear roadmap to continue this work systematically at all levels,” — emphasized Anastasiia Hudyma, Head of Suspilne’s Department for Diversity, Inclusion, and Equal Opportunities.
Dmytro Kozlov, a member of the Suspilne Broadcasting Management Board, stressed:
“We respect people who think differently and support those who face greater challenges. We are building a team where everyone can be themselves — and know that they are valued here. This is important not because it is ‘modern’ or ‘effective,’ but because without trust, support, and respect it is impossible to create true public broadcasting. That is why the DEI Concept at Suspilne is so important”.
For reference, Suspilne Broadcasting is an independent media company with extensive reach across all platforms: TV channels Pershyi, Suspilne Kultura, Suspilne Sport, and a national network of local channels; radio stations Ukrainian Radio, Radio Promin, Radio Kultura, Radiotochka. Verified news is available on suspilne.media as well as on national and local digital platforms.