The study was conducted by the NGO “Promotion of Intercultural Cooperation” at the request of the NGO “Institute of Regional Press and Information” in cooperation with the National Union of Journalists of Ukraine within the framework of the project “Covering Social Cohesion – Strengthening the Capacity of Ukrainian Media”. The project was developed and implemented by the NGO “Institute of Regional Press and Information” in partnership with UNESCO and with the support of Japan.

Research presentation: the end or the beginning of a new search?
Our team presented the results of a new sociological study at the IRMI roundtable in Kyiv. Together with journalists, experts, representatives of public organizations and human rights activists, we discussed the key challenges faced by regional and hyperlocal media in times of war.
The study was conducted by the NGO “Promoting Intercultural Cooperation” commissioned by IRMI in partnership with the National Union of Journalists of Ukraine and with the support of international partners. Our analysts Tetyana Kryvosheya and Viktoriya Balasanyan presented the main findings of the study and outlined further directions for the development of the topic.
What did we find out?

1. financial instability of editorial offices remains one of the main challenges
2. staff shortage and professional burnout complicate the work of journalists
3. limited access to official information creates additional obstacles
4. journalists need new skills to work in conditions of digital transformation

What should be the next steps?
How to support independent local media and strengthen their resilience?
How to ensure access to official information?
What educational initiatives can strengthen the professional capacity of journalists?
This study is the result of more than half a year of teamwork involving partners, experts and journalists from different regions. We are grateful to everyone who contributed to its implementation – journalists, the civil society, partners and donors.
Further analysis and new research initiatives lie ahead, which will help not only to better understand the situation in the Ukrainian media space, but also to develop practical solutions for its resilience.
The full report is available in Ukrainian at the link:https://drive.google.com/file/d/11D7a8S39EMdR3KuFZ8OGN-rK9aKUZX5k/view?fbclid=IwY2xjawJfV6hleHRuA2FlbQIxMAABHoJNJ2qWunAVxTQIqy5T5NsCGnoAzbesONwrMGVgkkWPSiFmPvALKfpXK3ea_aem_deQ3cH-fimGR4lMc3tX4bQ