On May 3, as the world celebrates World Press Freedom Day, students majoring in Journalism and Publishing studies at Borys Grinchenko Kyiv University had a special opportunity to reflect on the state of media freedom today. On the eve of this important date, first and second-year students of the Faculty of Journalism gathered for an open lecture by Tomas Mattsson — a leading Swedish media expert, co-founder of the Ukrainian Media Fund, and former editor-in-chief of the national daily ‘Expressen.’

Tomas Mattsson is widely recognized for his contributions to Scandinavian journalism. For over a decade, he led ‘Expressen,’ one of Sweden’s largest and most influential newspapers, and has long been an active defender of press freedom and independent media. Today, through the Ukrainian Media Fund, he continues to strengthen ties between European and Ukrainian media communities, offering both solidarity and practical support in challenging times.

His lecture, ‘Modern Challenges to the Media Industry in Scandinavian Countries: Challenges to Freedom of Speech and Independence, and Solidarity with Ukrainian Media,’ covered a wide range of issues shaping journalism today. Mattsson spoke about the pressures facing media outlets worldwide — from political influence and economic challenges to attacks on editorial independence. He emphasized the growing need for international solidarity, particularly in supporting Ukrainian media amid the ongoing struggle for truth and freedom. A key part of the discussion focused on the role of technology and artificial intelligence in journalism. Tomas shared his view that AI is not a threat but rather a valuable tool that can help journalists work more effectively — from assisting with fact-checking and research to enhancing content production. At the same time, he raised concerns about the dominance of big technology companies, which have increasingly shifted from being partners of the media to becoming powerful players that control information flows and often prioritize profit over public interest.

Other important topics included the global fight against fake news, the importance of fact-checking, and the responsibility of journalists to uphold ethical standards in the digital era. Several times he underlined in his speech: “Tabloids have a duty to fight fake news and not spread it.” Tomas Mattsson encouraged students to embrace innovation while remaining critical and committed to the core values of journalism.

One of the highlights of the event was the active engagement of students, who asked thoughtful questions about media trends, the ethical challenges of AI, and the future of journalism in a rapidly changing world. The lively dialogue created an inspiring atmosphere and turned the lecture into a true exchange of ideas.

For many students, Tomas Mattsson’s visit became a powerful source of motivation. As future journalists, we were reminded of our essential role in society — to defend truth, protect freedom of speech, and adapt to new realities while staying true to the mission of journalism.