**Independent Media in Ukraine Get a Lifeline**
Three regional independent media organizations in Ukraine will get help to stay alive. The Kyiv Independent, with UNESCO and Japan’s support, is launching a new program for them.
These media outlets were badly affected by the US aid freeze. They didn’t get funding they needed, like other organizations that provide humanitarian services or report on Russia’s war against Ukraine. Many smaller local media outlets are in trouble because they mainly relied on foreign donors and grants. The advertising market has also collapsed, making it hard for them to survive.
**A Fundraiser Was a Good Start**
In January, the Kyiv Independent ran a fundraiser to help three regional independent media outlets hit by the US aid freeze. They raised over $66,000 for Tsukr (Sumy), Gwara Media (Kharkiv), and MykVisti (Mykolaiv).
**A New Initiative Will Help**
The new program will develop a plan to help these media outlets make money from different sources. This will help them stay stable and grow in the long term. The program will also focus on building partnerships and finding business models that don‘t depend on donations.
**Who Can Apply?**
To be part of this program, media organizations must:
* Be a Ukrainian regional media outlet
* Have seen their budget cut by more than 50% because of the US aid freeze
* Know how to make money from different sources and want to start new revenue streams
The deadline for applications is April 3.
**A Partnership for Safety and Freedom**
This project is run by the NGO “KI Media”, in partnership with UNESCO and Japan. It’s part of UNESCO’s efforts to keep journalists safe and support freedom of expression in Ukraine.