Revitalizing Ukrainian Local Media: Research and Recommendations

The “Revitalizing Ukrainian Local Media: Research and Recommendations” document is a comprehensive strategy to strengthen Ukraine’s local media landscape amid ongoing war-related challenges. Published through a collaboration between the Media Development Foundation, Ukraine, and CORRECTIV, Germany, the research highlights the critical role of community-centered media in supporting democratic resilience, combating “news deserts,” and fostering community well-being. This work details the current struggles of Ukrainian media, including financial instability, operational risks, and safety concerns, while emphasizing the importance of local journalism as a watchdog and community resource.

Drawing on European and Ukrainian experiences in community-centered journalism, the document offers models for sustainable, engaged media that empowers local voices and enhances civic engagement. Key recommendations include establishing a National Media Support Fund, securing ongoing donor and international support, and strengthening legal protections for journalists. By focusing on community engagement, donor-backed sustainability, and a coordinated policy framework, this strategy aims to rebuild Ukraine’s media environment into a resilient, transparent, and democratic force essential for Ukraine’s recovery and future prosperity.

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Abstract

The strategy paper “Revitalizing Ukrainian Local Media: Research and Recommendations” outlines a comprehensive approach to strengthening Ukraine’s local and regional media landscape, especially given the challenges posed by the ongoing war and its impact on information access and media resilience. This strategy prioritizes addressing the rise of “news deserts,” regions with limited or no access to local news, which risks isolating communities from crucial information related to safety, governance, health, and civic initiatives.

This revitalization plan’s goal is a resilient, independent media ecosystem in Ukraine that can adapt to the current challenges while laying the groundwork for future stability and democratic participation at the local level.

Excerpt

Abstract

The section Community-Centered Local Publishing Characteristics & Informational Wellbeing of Communities in the research paper by the Media Development Foundation, Ukraine & CORRECTIV, Germany, explores how community-centered journalism fosters informational well-being and addresses “news deserts,” areas lacking adequate local news coverage critical for informed public discourse. Both European and Ukrainian contexts illustrate the importance of participatory media models that actively involve local communities, as seen in European case studies like The Bristol Cable (UK) and Mensagem de Lisboa (Portugal), which utilize cooperative and membership-based models to deepen engagement and build trust. In Ukraine, the ongoing war has amplified the need for resilient community media, with many outlets adapting to cover safety information, coordinate aid, and connect with displaced communities. Ukrainian media heavily relies on volunteer and donor support, underscoring a commitment to local resilience despite operational hardships. The report highlights “engaged journalism,” a practice focused on audience participation in the news process, which strengthens civic involvement and social cohesion by amplifying underrepresented voices and enhancing transparency. This comparative analysis informs strategies to support sustainable, community-centered media in Ukraine, to bolster local resilience and support democratic development amid the challenges of war.

Excerpt

Abstract

The Policy Paper: Media Recovery in Ukraine addresses the severe challenges and strategic needs of Ukraine’s media landscape amid the ongoing war. It emphasizes the role of independent local media in delivering critical information and fostering democratic resilience. Key issues include financial constraints due to reduced advertising, operational hurdles, safety risks, and the spread of “news deserts”—regions with little or no local news access, which weakens both community resilience and national security. Recommendations for recovery include creating a National Media Support Fund, enhancing legal protections for journalists, and incorporating media development into national recovery plans. Donor support, while crucial, is often limited by short-term grants, creating a need for sustained institutional funding. The paper advocates for international collaboration, with multilateral support for training, resources, and legal frameworks, to ensure the media can fulfill its role in democratic accountability and community well-being.