What's the most important question?

The core challenge in editorial development now is transforming AI from a tool for routine tasks into the engine that drives innovation and secures competitive advantage. The next frontier is using AI not just for speed, but to set industry standards, invent unique formats, and uncover new opportunities ahead of others.

In Ukraine, one of the biggest challenges in the coming years will be inclusion, and the media is no exception. We need to make websites, apps, and content accessible to people with physical or cognitive limitations, as well as to those affected by the war. This can include audio versions of news, subtitles, audio descriptions for videos, or simple, easy-to-understand text.

Media organizations can also create jobs for people with new needs, like editors, journalists, or content managers who may require special accommodations due to trauma or disability. At the same time, we must consider that some of our audience may have psychological trauma, anxiety, or strong reactions to certain topics. AI can help in this area by suggesting careful wording, flagging potentially sensitive content, tailoring news delivery to different needs, and streamlining routine work for staff.

Media that successfully integrate these approaches will not only help people access information on equal terms but also set an example of inclusivity and leadership for the entire industry.

What will we be shaking our heads about a year from now?

A year from now, we’ll probably be surprised and a little frustrated at how little attention was paid to the amount of propaganda and disinformation being spread by AI, and how little was done to control it. Ultra-realistic AI-generated photos and videos on social media are already snowballing, and it’s hard to stop them. It’s frightening to imagine what they could make us believe in a year’s time.

Who to follow?

If you’re looking to diversify your feed, here are three recommendations not really about AI (or only loosely connected to it), just good stories and people worth following.

Max Klymenko (TikTok): You may have seen him already, but if not, he’s great for those moments when everyone is worried about AI taking over our jobs. His videos are a fun reminder of how diverse, unexpected, and wonderfully human many professions still are.

Yep4Andy (Instagram): If you enjoy watching people taste food, especially dishes prepared by a Ukrainian grandma, Andy’s account is pure comfort. She also shares glimpses of her travels and her love for South Korean culture. Lately, she’s been one of the most relatable voices about everyday life in Ukraine during blackouts.

Ukrainer in English (YouTube): To see the most beautiful places in Ukraine, you don’t need to get on a plane, especially now, when flying here isn’t possible due to ongoing Russian attacks. But there are still other ways to visit, and until you do, Ukrainer’s channel is a stunning window into the country: landscapes, stories, communities, traditions. I’m sharing one of my favorite videos, but honestly, their whole channel is worth watching.