JOURNALISM EDUCATION IN TIMES OF WAR: NEW CHALLENGES AND ADAPTATION STRATEGIES

Purpose. In this study, the issues, and prospects of journalistic education in times of Russian-Ukrainian war are highlighted. By analyzing the adaptation processes and the incorporation of innovative technologies, we aim to understand how students navigate the unique challenges posed by wartime conditions. Method. In-depth interviews were conducted among fourth-year bachelor students majoring in journalism at the National Technical University of Ukraine “Igor Sikorsky Kyiv Polytechnic Institute” regarding the impact of war on journalism education, the students’ perceptions of journalistic ethics, motivations, necessary skills, and psychological resilience in adapting to wartime conditions, etc. The interviews were meticulously recorded and analyzed to identify recurring patterns, divergent viewpoints, and emergent themes. Findings. The results underscore the multifaceted challenges faced by students in wartime. The students emphasized the necessity in training in safety, ethical norms in journalism, conflict sensitivity, and advocated for the adaptability of educational programs, integration of real-life scenarios, and the cultivation of critical thinking. Additionally, participants stressed the importance of fostering resilience and providing psychological support mechanisms for students. Implications for research and practice. The findings highlight the importance of integrating critical thinking skills and promoting media literacy to prepare journalists for professional coverage of war-related aspects and emphasize the necessity of collaboration between the university, media organizations and the government to ensure quality updates to educational programs. This research contributes to the development of scholarly discourse on journalistic education under crisis conditions.