BAJ shared results of comprehensive journalists’ survey
In October-November 2021, the Belarusian Association of Journalists surveyed media representatives: those who remain in Belarus and those who were forced to leave the country. The purpose of the survey was to find out the most burning issues and needs of the Belarusian media sector today.
The poll was conducted using two questionnaires: one for those who are in Belarus, the other for journalists who were forced to leave. A total of 290 media workers took part in the survey: about half of them remain in the country. The results of the survey on sensitive issues are not published. Here are the aggregated answers concerning the current realities.
Results of a survey of journalists who live and work in Belarus
1. Assess the main challenges you face today in your work?
The likelihood of searches, criminal and administrative prosecutions is a common and major problem;
Psychological pressure is a common problem;
Lack of effective legal protection is a common and major problem;
Lack of or no funds in your media outlet due to the situation – the respondents were evenly split on that;
Lack of or no work in the media — the respondents were evenly split on that;
Lack or absence of support programs — the respondents were evenly split on that;
Lack of communication with colleagues — the respondents were evenly split on that.
Evaluate the change in your living standards in financial terms over the last year:
1 – significantly worsened, 5 – significantly improved
135 responses
These are the results of a survey of media workers who left Belarus
What are your main problems related to relocation?
140 replies
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Acquiring legal status in the country of residence
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Finding accommodation
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Finding a place to work
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Finding a job
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Finding opportunities to purchase equipment
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Finding opportunities for medical care
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Seeking psychological help
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Family relocation opportunities
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Finding colleagues and like-minded people
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Mastering local language
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Finding educational institutions for children
Evaluate the change in your living standards in financial terms over the last year:
1 – significantly worsened, 5 – significantly improved
146 answers
In all the countries neighboring Belarus, our colleagues have created professional Telegram groups for communication, mutual support, receiving press cards of the International Federation of Journalists, and dealing with general journalistic issues.
The results of the survey (including unpublished ones) have been analyzed and will be instrumental in better planning of the work of the Belarusian Association of Journalists next year.