New Study Sheds Light on Media Consumption Habits of Ukrainian Refugees in Germany

The findings reveal a strong preference for digital platforms among the refugees, with social media and messaging services like Telegram, WhatsApp, and YouTube leading the pack. Specifically, Telegram is used by 78% of the participants, WhatsApp by 68%, and YouTube by 63%. Traditional media outlets, while still accessed, play a less dominant role, with a noteworthy 85% of respondents utilizing only free media services.

 

Interestingly, the transition to life in Germany has not significantly altered the information-seeking behaviors of the majority of refugees, with 62% reporting no change. However, about one-third of the respondents have diversified their media sources since relocating, primarily driven by a desire for varied perspectives and broader information sources.

 

Among traditional media, private TV channel 1+1 is popular with Ukrainian speakers, while Deutsche Welle and the BBC are preferred among German speakers and speakers of other languages, respectively. In terms of trust, Deutsche Welle scores the highest credibility rating at 66%, followed by Ukrayinska Pravda at 61%, and the BBC at 60%.

 

Personal contacts remain a crucial information source, with 78% of those surveyed feeling most informed about Ukraine through direct conversations. Despite their relocation, only a minority of 34% feel disconnected from events back home, a sentiment more pronounced among younger refugees aged 18 to 39.

 

The study also highlights the primary concerns among Ukrainian refugees with top interests in the ongoing war in Ukraine, current political events back home, and issues concerning their stay in Germany. It’s notable that a substantial 65% support restrictions on journalists regarding wartime reporting, suggesting an understanding of the complexities involved in conflict journalism.

 

Lutz Kinkel, Managing Director of ECPMF, notes, "This survey is crucial as it provides insight for the first time into the information habits of Ukrainian refugees and emphasizes the importance of personal communication and digital platforms." He adds that the high regard for Deutsche Welle underscores the trust and value placed on reliable media sources.

 

Penelope Winterhager, Managing Director of the JX Fund, reflects on the resilience of the Ukrainian media landscape: "The continuity of media consumption habits post-flight suggests that Ukrainian media outlets continue to fulfill their role effectively, despite the adversities imposed by the war."

 

The survey involved 508 individuals aged 18 and older who fled to Germany from Ukraine. Conducted online from April 1 to July 17, 2023, it provided options for responses in either Ukrainian or Russian. The project received support from the Federal Government Commissioner for Culture and the Media, as part of the Hannah Arendt Initiative, helping to further understand and meet the information needs of Ukrainian refugees in Germany.