THE IMPACT OF INFORMATION DISCLOSURE ON THE FORMATION OF PUBLIC OPINION ABOUT VETERANS

Coverage of veteran topics in the media plays an extremely important role in shaping public opinion about veterans, their needs, problems and place in society.The media is a tool that can both combat stereotypes and reinforce them, depending on how the information is presented.Inattentive or biased coverage can consolidate negative stereotypes about veterans in the public consciousness, strengthen stigmas and promote discrimination.Conversely, proper information support, the presentation of information about veterans in a positive way contributes to the positive perception of the latter by Ukrainian society.The representation of a positive image of the veteran community in the information space has been relevant since 2014.It is important even today, when Russian pro-Kremlin media spread fake and propaganda information about Ukrainian military personnel in order to discredit Ukrainian defenders and the entire Ukrainian army.This article elaborates and presents a set of recommendations for the media aimed at improving communication between the public, the veteran community and the media.They are based on the key ethical principles of journalism: truthfulness, objectivity, respect for dignity, confidentiality and responsibility.The implementation of these recommendations by editorial offices will contribute to the creation of a balanced and supportive information environment, increasing public awareness of the problems of veterans and improving the conditions for their reintegration into society.The measures we have proposed are aimed at creating a favorable information environment, ensuring transparency and openness of the media as a social institution for establishing effective dialogue and information exchange, as well as at forming a positive image of veterans in Ukrainian society.