Modification of media’s visual identity as a response to the war in Ukraine
An exploratory study
Bibliographic Data
| ID | 24228472 |
|---|---|
| Authors | Anna Jupowicz-Ginalska (0000-0002-7016-0427, University of Warsaw), Bianca Harms (0000-0002-0312-9737, NHL Stenden University of Applied Sciences), Anna Sámelová (0000-0002-0206-8602, Comenius University Bratislava), Martyna Dudziak-Kisio (0000-0002-1274-0175, Uniwersytet SWPS), Päivi Maijanen (0000-0003-1519-4349, Lappeenranta-Lahti University of Technology), Andreas Anton (0000-0003-0201-197X, University of Bucharest), Andreas Will (0000-0003-4351-4821, Technische Universität Ilmenau), Emilia Zakrzewska (0000-0003-2225-635X, University of Warsaw), Antonia Matei (0000-0002-9110-9700, University of Bucharest), Gheorghe Anghel (0000-0001-5054-2041, University of Bucharest) |
| Year | 2026 |
| Pages | 278-316 |
| Publication date | 2026-04-14 |
| Open Access | No |
| Type | CHAPTER |
| Venue | Pragmatics & Beyond New Series (SOURCE_BOOK) |
| Publisher | John Benjamins Publishing Company (PUBLISHER • NL) |
| DOI | 10.1075/pbns.355.10jup |
| OpenAlex | W7154241157 |
| ISBN | 9789027234322 |
| Language | EN |
| Citations received | 4 |
| References cited | 41 |
We examine how European media responded to the Russian invasion of Ukraine through visual identity changes. Using visual discourse and communication theories, we analysed 76 logo modifications in six countries: Finland, Germany, Poland, Romania, Slovakia, and the Netherlands. A cross-national comparison revealed significant differences in the scale, type, and duration of changes. Media in former Eastern Bloc countries showed the strongest visual solidarity, while Northern and Western European media used more restrained strategies, reflecting different historical contexts. Modifications included Ukrainian colours, solidarity slogans, and design adjustments. Though mostly temporary, these symbolic actions turned branding into civic engagement and reinforced shared values. This study contributes to media research by framing logo changes as visual discourse and symbolic communication in times of conflict.
Citizen participation · cross-national comparison · media and war · media branding · Russian invasion of Ukraine · Symbolic communication · visual discourse · Discourse Analysis and Cultural Communication · Media Studies and Communication · Semiotics and Representation Studies
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| Citations per year | 4 |
|---|---|
| Citation span | 2026 - 2026 (1) |
| Highly cited | No |